I. Field of the Disclosure
The technology of the disclosure relates generally to the structure of magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) devices that can be used, for example, in magnetic random access memory (MRAM).
II. Background
Semiconductor storage devices are used in integrated circuits (ICs) in electronic devices to provide data storage. One example of a semiconductor storage device is a magnetic random access memory (MRAM). MRAM is non-volatile memory in which data is stored by programming a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) as part of a MRAM bit cell. One advantage of a MRAM is that MTJs in MRAM bit cells can retain stored information even when power is turned off. Data is stored in the MTJ as a small magnetic element rather than as an electric charge or current.
In this regard,
When the magnetic orientation of the free and pinned layers 102, 104 is AP (shown in
When reading data stored in the MTJ 100, a read voltage differential is applied between the electrodes 110, 112 to allow current to flow through the MTJ 100. A low resistance, as measured by a voltage differential between the electrodes 110, 112 divided by a measured current, is associated with a P magnetic orientation between the free and pinned layers 102, 104, and thus, the MTJ 100 is considered as being in a P state. A high resistance is associated with an AP magnetic orientation between the free and pinned layers 102, 104, and thus, the MTJ 100 is considered as being in an AP state. When writing data to the MTJ 100, a write voltage differential is applied between the electrodes 110, 112 to generate a write current through the MTJ 100. If the state of the MTJ 100 is to be changed from a P state to an AP state, a write current (IP-AP) flowing from the bottom electrode 112 to the top electrode 110 is produced to induce a STT at the free layer 102 to change the magnetic orientation of the free layer 102 to be AP with respect to the pinned layer 104. This is shown by the MTJ 100′ in
Because the SAF structure 216 of the MTJ 200 in
Aspects disclosed in the detailed description include magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) devices particularly suited for efficient spin-torque-transfer (STT) magnetic random access memory (MRAM) (STT MRAM). In this manner, unevenness or roughness at the junction between the pinned layer and the TMR layer, which can be caused by propagated imperfections or variations in the pinned layer fabrication process, can be reduced to avoid reducing a TMR ratio of the TMR layer. In this regard, in certain exemplary aspects disclosed herein, a pinned layer section in a MTJ that is provided below the TMR layer includes one pinned layer magnetized in only one magnetic orientation. However, providing only one pinned layer magnetized in one magnetic orientation below the TMR layer can bias a magnetic orientation of a free layer disposed above the TMR layer in the magnetic orientation of the pinned layer, thus reducing the reliability and/or the usability of the corresponding MTJ. In this regard, in other exemplary aspects disclosed herein, a second pinned layer and a spacer layer are disposed above the free layer and the TMR layer in the MTJ. The second pinned layer is magnetized in a magnetic orientation that is anti-parallel (AP) to that of the pinned layer disposed below the TMR layer. This configuration reduces the net magnetic field (i.e., bias) on the free layer from the pinned layer disposed below the TMR layer. This configuration also provides a more efficient spin torque polarization when switching between a parallel (P) state and an anti-parallel (AP) state, which results in reduced overall write current and reduced write current asymmetry. This configuration is also scalable with size as MTJ diameter is reduced without substantial engineering of materials and/or corresponding thicknesses.
Although the spacer layer in a MTJ structure can be a second TMR layer, in certain other exemplary aspects, the resistance of such a second TMR layer can be made to differ from the resistance of a first TMR layer, between the free layer and the one pinned layer, in order to switch the magnetic orientation of the free layer. Thus, in exemplary aspects disclosed herein, a giant magneto-resistance (GMR) spacer layer is also disposed between the second pinned layer and the free layer as the spacer layer in the MTJ. The GMR spacer layer provides functionality similar to that of the TMR layer, but because the GMR spacer layer is a conducting layer made of conductive material, the resistance of the GMR spacer layer can be reduced to less than the resistance of the TMR layer. For example, the GMR spacer layer provides a barrier layer that is simple to achieve and that includes a resistance that can be reliably controlled. Having reliable control of the resistance of the GMR spacer layer, and in particular, of the difference between the resistances of the TMR layers and the GMR spacer layer, allows for a more reliable and discernable resistive output to be sensed from the MTJ. Furthermore, conductive materials used for the GMR spacer layer may be easier to deposit and etch in a MTJ than the materials used for a TMR layer.
In this regard in one aspect, a MTJ is provided. The MTJ comprises a first electrode, a second electrode, and a tunnel barrier layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The tunnel barrier layer is configured to provide a first magneto-resistance between a first pinned layer and a free layer when the first pinned layer is anti-parallel to the free layer. The first pinned layer is disposed between the tunnel barrier layer and the first electrode, and is configured to provide a first magnetization only in a first direction between the tunnel barrier layer and the first electrode. The MTJ further comprises a second pinned layer disposed between the second electrode and the tunnel barrier layer. The second pinned layer is configured to provide a second magnetization in a second direction that is anti-parallel to the first direction. The free layer is disposed between the second pinned layer and the tunnel barrier layer. The MTJ further comprises a spacer layer disposed between the second pinned layer and the free layer. The spacer layer is configured to provide a second magneto-resistance between the second pinned layer and the free layer when the second pinned layer is anti-parallel to the free layer.
In another aspect, a method of forming a MTJ is provided. The method comprises providing a first electrode and a second electrode, placing a tunnel barrier layer between the first electrode and the second electrode, and placing a first pinned layer between the tunnel barrier layer and the first electrode. The method further comprises placing a second pinned layer between the second electrode and the tunnel barrier layer, placing a free layer between the second pinned layer and the tunnel barrier layer, and placing a spacer layer between the second pinned layer and the free layer.
In another aspect, a MRAM bit cell is provided. The MRAM bit cell comprises an access transistor, which has a gate, a source, and a drain. The MRAM bit cell further comprises a MTJ. The MTJ comprises a first electrode and a second electrode, and a tunnel barrier layer that is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The tunnel barrier layer is configured to provide a first magneto-resistance between a first pinned layer and a free layer when the first pinned layer is anti-parallel to the free layer. The first pinned layer is disposed between the tunnel barrier layer and the first electrode, and is configured to provide a first magnetization only in a first direction between the tunnel barrier layer and the first electrode. The MTJ further comprises a second pinned layer that is disposed between the second electrode and the tunnel barrier layer, and is configured to provide a second magnetization in a second direction that is anti-parallel to the first direction. The free layer is disposed between the second pinned layer and the tunnel barrier layer. The MTJ further comprises a spacer layer that is disposed between the second pinned layer and the free layer, and is configured to provide a second magneto-resistance between the second pinned layer and the free layer when the second pinned layer is anti-parallel to the free layer. In the MRAM bit cell, a word line is coupled to the gate, the second electrode is coupled to the drain, and a bit line is coupled to the first electrode.
In another aspect, a MTJ is provided. The MTJ comprises a first electrode and a second electrode. The MTJ further comprises a tunnel barrier layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The tunnel barrier layer comprises Magnesium Oxide (MgO). The MTJ further comprises a first pinned layer disposed between the tunnel barrier layer and the first electrode. The first pinned layer comprises Cobalt (Co) and at least one of Platinum (Pt), Nickel (Ni), and Palladium (Pd). The first pinned layer is configured to provide a first magnetization only in a first direction between the tunnel barrier layer and the first electrode. The MTJ further comprises a second pinned layer disposed between the second electrode and the tunnel barrier layer. The second pinned layer is configured to provide a second magnetization in a second direction that is anti-parallel to the first direction. The MTJ further comprises a free layer disposed between the second pinned layer and the tunnel barrier layer. The free layer comprises Cobalt (Co), Iron (Fe), and Boron (B).
With reference now to the drawing figures, several exemplary aspects of the present disclosure are described. The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects.
Aspects disclosed in the detailed description include magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) devices particularly suited for efficient spin-torque-transfer (STT) magnetic random access memory (MRAM) (STT MRAM). In this manner, unevenness or roughness at the junction between the pinned layer and the TMR layer, which can be caused by propagated imperfections or variations in the pinned layer fabrication process, can be reduced to avoid reducing a TMR ratio of the TMR layer. In this regard, in certain exemplary aspects disclosed herein, a pinned layer section in a MTJ that is provided below the TMR layer includes one pinned layer magnetized in only one magnetic orientation. However, providing only one pinned layer magnetized in one magnetic orientation below the TMR layer can bias a magnetic orientation of a free layer disposed above the TMR layer in the magnetic orientation of the pinned layer, thus reducing the reliability and/or the usability of the corresponding MTJ. In this regard, in other exemplary aspects disclosed herein, a second pinned layer and a spacer layer are disposed above the free layer and the TMR layer in the MTJ. The second pinned layer is magnetized in a magnetic orientation that is anti-parallel (AP) to that of the pinned layer disposed below the TMR layer. This configuration reduces the net magnetic field (i.e., bias) on the free layer from the pinned layer disposed below the TMR layer. This configuration also provides a more efficient spin torque polarization when switching between a parallel (P) state and an anti-parallel (AP) state, which results in reduced overall write current and reduced write current asymmetry. This configuration is also scalable with size as MTJ diameter is reduced without substantial engineering of materials and/or corresponding thicknesses.
Although the spacer layer in a MTJ structure can be a second TMR layer, in certain other exemplary aspects, the resistance of such a second TMR layer can be made to differ from the resistance of a first TMR layer, between the free layer and the one pinned layer, in order to switch the magnetic orientation of the free layer. Thus, in exemplary aspects disclosed herein, a giant magneto-resistance (GMR) spacer layer is also disposed between the second pinned layer and the free layer as the spacer layer in the MTJ. The GMR spacer layer provides functionality similar to that of the TMR layer, but because the GMR spacer layer is a conducting layer made of conductive material, the resistance of the GMR spacer layer can be reduced to less than the resistance of the TMR layer. For example, the GMR spacer layer provides a barrier layer that is simple to achieve and that includes a resistance that can be reliably controlled. Having reliable control of the resistance of the GMR spacer layer, and in particular, of the difference between the resistances of the TMR layers and the GMR spacer layer, allows for a more reliable and discernable resistive output to be sensed from the MTJ. Furthermore, conductive materials used for the GMR spacer layer may be easier to deposit and etch in a MTJ than the materials used for a TMR layer.
In this regard,
With continuing reference to
Having a pinned layer 312 section below the TMR barrier layer 308 in the MTJ 300 that includes only one AP pinned layer 312 (i.e., the AP1 layer 312) allows for a reduction of the thickness under the TMR barrier layer 308 relative to a MTJ stack structure that has two pinned layers disposed under a TMR barrier layer, such as in, for example, the MTJ stack structure 202 illustrated in
In this regard, the MTJ stack structure 302 in
Accordingly, in the MTJ stack structure 302, a thickness T1 of the AP1 layer 312 below the TMR barrier layer 308 is less than in the pinned layer 206 structure provided below the TMR barrier layer 210 in the MTJ stack structure 202 in
Another aspect of the MTJ stack structure 302 in
In the MTJ stack structure 302 illustrated in
Furthermore, the AP2 layer 318 is disposed above the free layer 310 as part of a second magneto-resistive structure. In particular, the MTJ stack structure 302 further includes a spacer layer 322 disposed between the AP2 layer 318 and the free layer 310 to form the second magneto-resistive structure. The spacer layer 322 comprises a conductive material for conducting electrons, and their corresponding polarized spins, thus allowing for a GMR effect in the magneto-resistive structure comprised of the AP2 layer 318, the spacer layer 322, and the free layer 310 within the MTJ stack structure 302. The spacer layer 322 provides a second magneto-resistance in the MTJ stack structure that is a low magneto-resistance relative to the first magneto-resistance provided by the TMR barrier layer 308. The second magneto-resistance is provided between a first pinned layer 312 of the MTJ stack structure 302 (also referred to herein as “AP1 layer 312”), and the free layer 310, when the magnetic orientation of the AP1 layer 312 is AP to that of the free layer 310.
As will be described in further detail with reference to
With continuing reference to
Therefore, in the MTJ stack structure 302, the spacer layer 322 between the AP2 layer 318 and the free layer 310 comprises a conductive material. Such a spacer layer 322 provides a different magneto-resistance than the TMR barrier layer 308, which allows for data stored at the MTJ stack structure 302 to be read, and allows for the symmetrical structure of the MTJ stack structure 302, without adding design and/or fabrication complexity to the MTJ stack structure 302.
The MTJ stack structure 302 further provides a reduction of write current asymmetry by virtue of a more efficient spin-torque-transfer. In detail, the MTJ 100 illustrated in
In this regard,
However, when switching the MTJ 100 from a P state to an AP state (i.e., switching the magnetic orientation of the free layer 102 from the “up” direction to the “down” direction), IP-AP flows from the top electrode 110 towards the bottom electrode 112. The electrons in IP-AP are not polarized in the “down” direction as they move through the free layer 102. The electrons in IP-AP become polarized in the “down” direction only as they bounce/are reflected from the tunnel barrier layer 106, and only those electrons that bounce/are reflected from the tunnel barrier layer 106 contribute towards switching the magnetic orientation of the free layer 102 to the “down” direction. This process requires more electrons, and therefore is much less efficient, than when switching the magnetic orientation from the AP state to the P state. Accordingly, IP-AP is larger than IAP-P.
In this regard,
However, when switching the MTJ stack structure 302 from the P state 302″ to the AP state 302′ (i.e., switching the magnetic orientation of the free layer 310 from the “up” direction to the “down” direction), IP-AP flows from the top electrode 306 towards the bottom electrode 304. In the MTJ stack structure 302, contrary to the MTJ 100 in
In this regard, the MTJ stack structure 302 includes the AP1 layer 312 and the polarization enhancing layer 307 below the corresponding TMR bather layer 308, and the AP2 layer 318 is provided above the corresponding TMR barrier layer 308. The materials that form the polarization enhancing layer 307 are Cobalt (Co), Iron (Fe), and Boron (B). The materials that form the AP1 layer 312 and the AP2 layer 318 are Cobalt (Co) and Platinum (Pt). In some aspects, the AP1 and AP2 layers 312, 318 may be formed by perpendicular alloys such as Cobalt (Co)/Nickel (Ni), Cobalt (Co)/Palladium (Pd), Cobalt (Co)/Iron (Fe)/Nickel (Ni), Cobalt (Co)/Iron (Fe)/Boron (B), Tantalum (Ta)/Iron (Fe)/Cobalt (Co), Gadolinium (Gd)/Iron (Fe)/Cobalt (Co), other ternary alloys, rare earth materials, etc.
In the MTJ stack structure 302, because fewer materials are deposited under the TMR barrier layer 308, the base 314 of the TMR barrier layer 308 is likely to be less rough than the base 218 of the TMR barrier layer 210 in the MTJ stack structure 202 illustrated in
With continued reference to
When reading data stored in the MTJ 802, the bit line (VBL) is activated for the NMOS access transistor 804 to allow current to flow through the MTJ 802 between the top and bottom electrodes 810, 806. A low resistance, as measured by voltage applied on the bit line (VBL) divided by the measured current, is associated with a P orientation between the free layer 814 and the net magnetic orientation of the first and second pinned layers 808, 812, i.e., a P state. A higher resistance is associated with an AP orientation between the free layer 814 and the net magnetic orientation of the first and second pinned layers 808, 812, i.e., an AP state. When writing data to the MTJ 802, the gate (G) of the NMOS access transistor 804 is activated by activating the word line (VWL). A voltage differential between the bit line (VBL) and the voltage source (VS) is applied. As a result, a write current (I) (not shown) is generated between the drain (D) and the source (S). If the state of the MTJ 802 is to be changed from AP to P, a write current (IAP-P) flowing from the top electrode 810 to the bottom electrode 806 is generated, which induces a spin-torque-transfer (STT) at the free layer 814 to change the magnetic orientation of the free layer 814 to a P state with respect to the net magnetic orientation of the first and second pinned layers 808, 812. If the state of the MTJ 802 is to be changed from a P state to an AP state, a current (IP-AP) flowing from the bottom electrode 806 to the top electrode 810 is produced, which induces an STT at the free layer 814 to change the magnetic orientation of the free layer 814 to an AP state with respect to the net magnetic orientation of the first and second pinned layers 808, 812.
MTJ devices particularly suited for efficient STT MRAM according to aspects disclosed herein may be provided in or integrated into any processor-based device. Examples, without limitation, include a set top box, an entertainment unit, a navigation device, a communications device, a fixed location data unit, a mobile location data unit, a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a computer, a portable computer, a desktop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a monitor, a computer monitor, a television, a tuner, a radio, a satellite radio, a music player, a digital music player, a portable music player, a digital video player, a video player, a digital video disc (DVD) player, and a portable digital video player.
In this regard,
Other master and slave devices can be connected to the system bus 908. As illustrated in
The CPU(s) 902 may also be configured to access the display controller(s) 918 over the system bus 908 to control information sent to one or more displays 922. The display controller(s) 918 sends information to the display(s) 922 to be displayed via one or more video processors 924, which process the information to be displayed into a format suitable for the display(s) 922. The display(s) 922 can include any type of display, including but not limited to a cathode ray tube (CRT), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, etc.
Those of skill in the art will further appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithms described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, instructions stored in memory or in another computer-readable medium and executed by a processor or other processing device, or combinations of both. The master devices and slave devices described herein may be employed in any circuit, hardware component, integrated circuit (IC), or IC chip, as examples. Memory disclosed herein may be any type and size of memory and may be configured to store any type of information desired. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. How such functionality is implemented depends upon the particular application, design choices, and/or design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present disclosure.
The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a processor, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.
The aspects disclosed herein may be embodied in hardware and in instructions that are stored in hardware, and may reside, for example, in Random Access Memory (RAM), flash memory, Read Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Programmable ROM (EPROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM), registers, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of computer readable medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor such that the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in a remote station. In the alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in a remote station, base station, or server.
It is also noted that the operational steps described in any of the exemplary aspects herein are described to provide examples and discussion. The operations described may be performed in numerous different sequences other than the illustrated sequences. Furthermore, operations described in a single operational step may actually be performed in a number of different steps. Additionally, one or more operational steps discussed in the exemplary aspects may be combined. It is to be understood that the operational steps illustrated in the flow chart diagrams may be subject to numerous different modifications as will be readily apparent to one of skill in the art. Those of skill in the art will also understand that information and signals may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.
The previous description of the disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the examples and designs described herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.