摘要:
A method includes sampling magnetic bits, applying a write current pulse to the magnetic bits to set them to a first logic state, resampling the magnetic bits, and comparing the results of sampling and resampling to determine the bit state for each magnetic bit. A read or write operation may be received after initiation of writing back magnetic bits having the second state, where the write-back can be aborted for a portion of the bits in the case of a write operation. The write-back may be performed such that different portions of the magnetic bits are written back at different times, thereby staggering the write-back current pulses in time. An offset current may also be used during resampling.
摘要:
A magnitude and direction of at least one of a reset current and a second stabilization current (that produces a reset field and a second stabilization field, respectively) is determined that, when applied to an array of magnetic sense elements, minimizes the total required stabilization field and reset field during the operation of the magnetic sensor and the measurement of the external field. Therefore, the low field sensor operates optimally (with the highest sensitivity and the lowest power consumption) around the fixed external field operating point. The fixed external field is created by other components in the sensor device housing (such as speaker magnets) which have a high but static field with respect to the low (earth's) magnetic field that describes orientation information.
摘要:
A method of manufacturing a magnetoresistive-based device having magnetic material layers formed between a first electrically conductive layer and a second electrically conductive layer, the magnetic materials layers including a tunnel barrier layer formed between a first magnetic materials layer and a second magnetic materials layer, including removing the first electrically conductive layer and the first magnetic materials layer unprotected by a first hard mask, to form a first electrode and a first magnetic materials, respectively; and removing the tunnel barrier layer, second magnetic materials layer, and second electrically conductive layer unprotected by the second hard mask to form a tunnel barrier, second magnetic materials, and a second electrode.
摘要:
A technique for detecting tampering attempts directed at a memory device includes setting each of a plurality of detection memory cells to an initial predetermined state, where corresponding portions of the plurality of detection memory cells are included in each of the arrays of data storage memory cells on the memory device. A plurality of corresponding reference bits on the memory device permanently store information representative of the initial predetermined state of each of the detection memory elements. When a tamper detection check is performed, a comparison between the reference bits and the current state of the detection memory cells is used to determine whether any of the detection memory cells have changed state from their initial predetermined states. Based on the comparison, a tamper detect indication is flagged if a threshold level of change is determined. Once a tampering attempt is detected, responses on the memory device include disabling one or more memory operations and generating a mock current to emulate current expected during normal operation.
摘要:
A dual tunnel barrier magnetic element has a free magnetic layer positioned between first and second tunnel barriers and an electrode over the second tunnel barrier. A two step etch process allows for forming an encapsulation material on a side wall of the electrode and the second tunnel barrier subsequent to the first etch for preventing damage to the first tunnel barrier when performing the second etch to remove a portion of the free layer.
摘要:
A magnitude and direction of at least one of a reset current and a second stabilization current (that produces a reset field and a second stabilization field, respectively) is determined that, when applied to an array of magnetic sense elements, minimizes the total required stabilization field and reset field during the operation of the magnetic sensor and the measurement of the external field. Therefore, the low field sensor operates optimally (with the highest sensitivity and the lowest power consumption) around the fixed external field operating point. The fixed external field is created by other components in the sensor device housing (such as speaker magnets) which have a high but static field with respect to the low (earth's) magnetic field that describes orientation information.
摘要:
A spin-torque magnetoresistive memory element has a high magnetoresistance and low current density. A free magnetic layer is positioned between first and second spin polarizers. A first tunnel barrier is positioned between the first spin polarizer and the free magnetic layer and a second tunnel barrier is positioned between the second spin polarizer and the free magnetic layer. The magnetoresistance ratio of the second tunnel barrier has a value greater than double the magnetoresistance ratio of the first tunnel barrier.
摘要:
A method of manufacturing a magnetoresistive-based device includes etching a hard mask layer, the etching having a selectivity greater than 2:1 and preferably less than 5:1 of the hard mask layer to a photo resist thereover. Optionally, the photo resist is trimmed prior to the etch, and oxygen may be applied during or just subsequent to the trim of the photo resist to increase side shrinkage. An additional step includes an oxygen treatment during the etch to remove polymer from the structure and etch chamber.
摘要:
A cell bias control circuit maximizes the performance of devices in the read/write path of memory cells (magnetic tunnel junction device+transistor) without exceeding leakage current or reliability limits by automatically adjusting multiple control inputs of the read/write path at the memory array according to predefined profiles over supply voltage, temperature, and process corner variations by applying any specific reference parameter profiles to the memory array.
摘要:
Circuitry and a method for regulating voltages applied to source and bit lines of a spin-torque magnetoresistive random access memory (ST-MRAM) reduces time-dependent dielectric breakdown stress of the word line transistors. During a read or write operation, only the selected bit lines and source lines are pulled down to a low voltage and/or pulled up to a high voltage depending on the operation (write 0, write 1, and read) being performed. The unselected bit lines and source lines are held at the voltage while separately timed signals pull up or pull down the selected bit lines and source lines during read and write operations.