Magnetic Particle Memory with Phase-Change Well Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data storage technologies face challenges in achieving efficient, non-volatile data storage with precise control over magnetic particle positioning and material state changes to represent data states without requiring frequent refresh procedures.
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 by altering the material state of the suspension medium, such as viscosity or phase, through controlled heating and application of external fields, allowing for precise data storage and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If magnetic particles are positioned precisely within well structures to represent data states, then data storage precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for controlled material state changes and field application mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material state parameter of the suspension medium (from solid to liquid and back) to enable magnetic particle movement. By controlling the phase transition of the suspension medium rather than directly manipulating particle positions, the system achieves precise positioning with simpler control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical manipulation of magnetic particles with a field-based approach. An external magnetic field is applied to move particles within the well structures, substituting complex mechanical positioning systems with a simpler electromagnetic control mechanism.
2Reliability
If material state changes are applied to move magnetic particles for data storage, then data retention is improved, but energy consumption increases due to repeated heating and cooling cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic heating and cooling cycles to change the material state of the suspension medium. The material is heated above its melting point to enable particle movement, then cooled to solidify and retain the new position. This periodic action allows data writing followed by stable retention without continuous energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits the phase transition of the suspension medium between solid and liquid states. During the liquid phase, magnetic particles can move freely under applied fields; during the solid phase, particles are fixed in position. This phase transition mechanism enables data storage with energy input only during state changes, not during retention.
3Reliability
If frequent refresh procedures are implemented to maintain data states, then data reliability is improved, but productivity decreases due to time loss from refresh operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a self-maintaining data storage system where the solidified suspension medium automatically holds magnetic particles in their positioned states without external intervention. The rigid structure of the solidified material provides inherent stability, eliminating the need for periodic refresh operations and enabling long-term data retention.
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 efficient, non-volatile data storage with precise control over magnetic particle positioning, reducing the need for frequent refresh procedures and enhancing data retention and storage efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The suspension medium can be heated to a temperature above a melting point of the suspension medium to change a material state of the well structure
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic particle moved responsive to an applied field and a present material state of the well structure
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.