Magnetic Memory Domain Wall Control via Alternating Current

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Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic memory technologies face challenges in stabilizing operations and controlling domain walls, leading to potential errors in reading and writing magnetization information due to fluctuations in pulse signal lengths and movement directions of domain walls.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic memory design that includes a first and second magnetic portion, with a nonmagnetic portion between them, and a controller performing alternating current operations to move domain walls between these portions, allowing precise control of domain wall positions and preventing unintended data operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If domain walls are used for magnetic memory operations, then data storage and retrieval functions are enabled, but operation stability deteriorates due to fluctuations in pulse signal lengths and domain wall movement directions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation stabilityVSAvoidcontrol precision of domain wall movement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic memory device is segmented into distinct magnetic regions with different magnetization directions (first magnetic region with in-plane magnetization, second magnetic region with perpendicular magnetization). This segmentation allows independent control of domain wall movement in each region, preventing unintended movements and improving operation stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different magnetic regions are assigned different local magnetic properties (in-plane vs. perpendicular magnetization directions). This local quality differentiation enables precise control over domain wall behavior in specific regions, allowing the system to maintain stability while performing read and write operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If alternating current operations are performed to move domain walls, then domain wall position control is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple magnetic portions and control operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedomain wall position controlVSAvoidstructure complexity with multiple magnetic portions

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The alternating current operations serve multiple functions: they move domain walls during write operations, enable reading through resistance changes, and provide control over domain wall positions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms, offsetting the structural complexity with operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses dynamic alternating current operations to actively control domain wall positions rather than relying on static structures. This dynamic control allows precise positioning and prevents unintended domain wall movements, improving measurement precision despite the added operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This design stabilizes magnetic memory operations by precisely controlling domain wall positions, reducing errors in reading and writing magnetization information and enhancing the controllability of domain walls.

Implementation Method 1

The controller in the first operation supplies a first current to the first magnetic portion from the first portion toward the second portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpin transfer torque:

Implementation Method 2

The controller in the second operation supplies a second current to the first magnetic portion from the second portion toward the first portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpin transfer torque:

Implementation Method 3

a magnetic memory and a magnetic memory array that use domain walls

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDomain wall:

Data Source

PatentUS10276224B2Magnetic memory having metal portions and magnetic memory array including same

Publication Date: 2019.04.30 KIOXIA CORP

AI summary

According to an embodiment, a magnetic memory includes a first magnetic portion, a second magnetic portion, a first nonmagnetic portion, and a controller. The first magnetic portion includes a first portion and a second portion. The controller in a first operation supplies a first current from the first portion toward the second portion. The controller in a second operation supplies a second current to from the second portion toward the first portion. A first electrical resistance value can be different from a second electrical resistance value. The first electrical resistance value is between the second magnetic portion and the portion of the first magnetic portion before the first operation and the second operation are performed. The second electrical resistance value is between the second magnetic portion and the portion of the first magnetic portion after the first operation and the second operation are performed.