Magnetic Domain Memory Wiring for Lower Write Energy Per Bit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic memories with magnetic members that rely on write currents to shift magnetization directions face high energy consumption per bit, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic memory design with a control circuit that supplies currents to generate magnetic fields and shift magnetic domains in magnetic members, using a configuration of electrodes, wirings, and vertical thin film transistors to reduce write current per bit by collectively writing information to multiple units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a write current passes through a write wiring or field line to shift magnetization direction in a magnetic member, then information can be written to the magnetic memory, but the write energy consumption per bit becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the magnetic member into multiple magnetic domains along the third direction, with each domain independently controllable via separate wirings. This segmentation allows selective writing to specific domains, reducing the total energy required per written bit compared to writing across the entire magnetic member.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple magnetic domains into a single magnetic member structure, where multiple bits of information can be stored simultaneously in different domains. By collectively managing multiple domains within one member, the write energy is distributed across multiple storage units, effectively reducing energy consumption per bit.
2Ease of operation
If magnetic domains are shifted by currents to store information, then write operation is enabled, but the device complexity increases due to multiple wirings and control circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different functions to different parts of the magnetic member: the first and second wirings control magnetic domain shifting, while the third wiring controls magnetization direction. This local differentiation of wiring functions allows for systematic control of complex operations without requiring a completely new control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic member serves multiple functions: it stores multiple bits of information in different magnetic domains, allows selective writing through domain shifting, and enables readout through magnetization direction changes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated structures for each operation.
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
Reduces write energy consumption per bit by collectively writing information to multiple memory units, allowing for higher integration and reducing the need for hold currents in selection elements.
Implementation Method 1
supply a first current to the third wiring to generate a magnetic field and magnetize in a first magnetization direction a magnetic domain of each of the second and fourth portions
Implementation Method 2
supply a second current between the electrode and each of the first and second wirings to respectively shift the magnetic domains of the second and fourth portions towards the first and third portions
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic memory includes an electrode extending along a plane including first and second directions, first and second wirings extending along the first direction, a first magnetic member including first and second portions coupled to the first wiring and the electrode, a second magnetic member including third and fourth portions coupled to the second wiring and the electrode, the first and second members extending along the third direction, a third wiring extending along the second direction between the electrode and the second and fourth portions, and a circuit configured to supply a current to the third wiring to magnetize in a first magnetization direction a magnetic domain of each of the second and fourth portions, the magnetic domain storing information represented by magnetization directions thereof, and supply a current between the electrode and the first and second wirings to shift the magnetic domains towards the first and third portions.