Magnetic memory

Abstract

It is possible to reduce writing current without causing fluctuation of the writing characteristic. A magnetic memory includes: a magnetoresistance effect element having a magnetization pinned layer whose magnetization direction is pinned, a storage layer whose magnetization direction is changeable, and a non-magnetic layer provided between the magnetization pinned layer and the storage layer; and a first wiring layer which is electrically connected to the magnetoresistance effect element and extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of an easy magnetization axis of the storage layer, an end face of the magnetoresistance effect element substantially perpendicular to the direction of the easy magnetization axis of the storage layer and an end face of the first wiring layer substantially perpendicular to the direction of the easy magnetization axis being positioned on the same plane.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-402891, and 2004-244771 filed on Dec. 2, 2003, and Aug. 25, 2004 in Japan, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to a magnetic memory having a magnetoresistance effect element in a memory cell. RELATED ART [0003] A magnetic random access memory (MRAM) is a memory device which uses a magnetoresistance effect element in a cell portion which stores information or data, to which attention is paid as the next generation memory device characterized by high speed operation, mass storage, and nonvolatile. The magnetoresistance effect is a phenomenon where when magnetic field is applied to a ferromagnetic material, an electric resistance varies according to direction of magnetization of the ferromagnetic material. Function serving as a memory devi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a magnetic memory which decreases fluctuation in writing characteristic and allows reduction of writing current.

[0009] Further, another object thereof is to provide a magnetic memory which allow mass storage and high speed writing.

Problems solved by technology

However, magnetic field required for magnetization reversing, namely switching magnetic field becomes large according to fineness of the TMR element, which results in increase in amount of current flowing in the writing wire and, therefore, increase in power consumption.

However, it is difficult to manufacture an MRAM where a relative position between the end portion of the soft magnetic layer and the TMR element has been determined considering not only a deviation between the end portion of the soft magnetic layer and the TMR layer on a plane but also a deviation therebetween in a vertical direction which is a direction perpendicular to the plane.

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