Magnetic random access memory with asymmetric clad conductor

Abstract

An asymmetric clad conductor structure for a magnetic field sensitive memory cell is disclosed. One or both of the conductors that cross the memory cell can include an asymmetric cladding that covers a top surface and only a portion of the opposed side surfaces of the conductors such that the cladding on the opposed side surfaces is recessed along those opposed side surfaces in a direction away from a data layer of the memory cell. The cladding is recessed by an offset distance. The asymmetric cladding increases a reluctance Rg of a closed magnetic path with a resulting decrease in magnetic coupling with the data layer. An aspect ratio AR of the memory cell can be reduced thereby increasing areal density.

Description

Technical field [0001] The present invention generally relates to a magnetic storage device in which at least one conductor includes an asymmetric coating. More specifically, the present invention relates to a magnetic memory device, in which at least one conductor includes a recessed asymmetric cladding layer, while providing a reversal magnetic field enhancement, will affect the reversal characteristics of the data layer of the magnetic memory cell. The adverse effects are minimized. Background technique [0002] Magnetic random access memory (MRAM) is an emerging technology that can provide an alternative to traditional data storage or memory technology. MRAM has required properties, such as fast access time like DRAM and non-volatile data retention like hard disk drives. MRAM stores one bit of data (ie, information) in a patterned thin film magnetic element in the form of variable magnetization orientation, which is called a data layer, storage layer, free layer or data film....

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

First, high current increases power consumption, which is undesirable in portable or battery-operated electronics

Second, high currents can lead to increased waste heat generation, requiring fans or other cooling devices to effectively dissipate the waste heat

Those cooling devices add to the cost, weight and power draw of battery-operated devices

Third, larger drive circuits are required to deliver these high currents, which reduces the chip area available for memory or other critical circuitry in the storage device

Thus, the coating 111 has an adverse effect on another component of the inversion characteristic of the data layer 102

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