Magnetic Particle Memory Wells Using Thermal Viscosity Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data storage technologies face challenges in efficiently and reliably storing and retrieving data without the need for periodic refresh procedures, particularly in non-volatile memory devices where magnetic particles maintain their position without external power.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic particle-based non-volatile random-access memory (NVRAM) system utilizing well structures with suspension media, where magnetic particles are positioned and moved within the well structures through controlled material state changes, such as viscosity or phase alterations, facilitated by external fields and thermal management, allowing for stable data storage and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetic particles are used for non-volatile data storage without external power, then data retention reliability is improved, but control precision over particle positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing temperature-dependent viscosity changes in the suspension medium. By heating the well structure to transition the suspension medium from a high-viscosity state to a low-viscosity state, magnetic particles can be precisely positioned using magnetic fields. When cooled, the viscosity increases to lock particles in place, achieving both precise control and stable retention without continuous power.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs phase transitions of the suspension medium between solid-like (high viscosity) and liquid-like (low viscosity) states through thermal cycling. This phase transition enables the system to switch between a controllable state during writing/reading operations and a stable retention state during data storage, resolving the contradiction between control precision and data retention reliability.
2Productivity
If thermal energy is applied to alter material states for particle movement, then data access efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic thermal action only when needed for data access operations. The suspension medium is heated temporarily to enable particle movement during writing and reading, then cooled to return to the high-viscosity retention state. This periodic rather than continuous thermal application improves energy efficiency while maintaining fast data access capability.
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
Enables stable, non-volatile data storage with efficient data access and reduced power consumption by maintaining magnetic particle positions without external power, utilizing materials like polymers and metals with temperature-dependent properties for precise control over particle movement.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing materials like polymers and metals with temperature-dependent properties for precise control over particle movement
Implementation Method 2
A control system can be configured to represent a data state corresponding to a positioning of the magnetic particle within the well structure, the magnetic particle moved responsive to an applied field
Implementation Method 3
directing an increase in thermal states of suspension material comprising the well structures to alter corresponding material states of the well structures
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage apparatus is presented that includes a well structure comprising a suspension medium, and a magnetic particle disposed in at least a portion of the well structure. A control system is configured to represent a data state corresponding to a positioning of the magnetic particle within the well structure, the magnetic particle moved responsive to an applied field and a present material state of the well structure. Various addressable arrays of well structures and associated control elements can be established to form data storage devices.