Methods of operating magnetic random access memory devices including heat-generating structures
First Claim
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1. A method of operating a magnetic random access memory (MRAM) device including a magnetic tunnel junction structure and a heat generating layer, the method comprising:
- providing a write current through the magnetic tunnel junction structure and through the heat generating layer wherein the write current has a magnitude sufficient to change a program state of the magnetic tunnel junction structure wherein the magnetic tunnel junction structure includes a pinned layer, a free layer, and a tunneling insulating layer between the pinned and free layers, wherein the heat generating layer and the tunneling insulating layer are spaced apart, and wherein the pinned layer, the free layer, the tunneling insulating layer, and the heat generating layer are electrically coupled in series so that the write current passes through each of the pinned layer, the free layer, the tunneling insulating layer, and the heat generating layer.
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Abstract
Methods may be provided for operating a magnetic random access memory (MRAM device including a magnetic tunnel junction structure and a heat generating layer. More particularly, a write current may be provided through the magnetic tunnel junction structure and through the heat generating layer, and the write current may have a magnitude sufficient to change a program state of the magnetic tunnel junction structure. Related devices are also discussed.
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Citations
30 Claims
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1. A method of operating a magnetic random access memory (MRAM) device including a magnetic tunnel junction structure and a heat generating layer, the method comprising:
providing a write current through the magnetic tunnel junction structure and through the heat generating layer wherein the write current has a magnitude sufficient to change a program state of the magnetic tunnel junction structure wherein the magnetic tunnel junction structure includes a pinned layer, a free layer, and a tunneling insulating layer between the pinned and free layers, wherein the heat generating layer and the tunneling insulating layer are spaced apart, and wherein the pinned layer, the free layer, the tunneling insulating layer, and the heat generating layer are electrically coupled in series so that the write current passes through each of the pinned layer, the free layer, the tunneling insulating layer, and the heat generating layer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method of operating a magnetic random access memory (MRAM) device including a magnetic tunnel junction structure and a heat generating layer, the method comprising:
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providing a first write current in a first direction through the magnetic tunnel junction structure and through the heat generating layer wherein the first write current has a magnitude sufficient to change a program state of the magnetic tunnel junction structure to a first program state; and providing a second write current in a second direction through the magnetic tunnel junction structure and through the heat generating layer wherein the second write current has a magnitude sufficient to change a program state of the magnetic tunnel junction structure to a second program state, wherein the first and second directions are different and wherein the first and second program states are different. - View Dependent Claims (17)
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18. A magnetic random access memory (MRAM) device comprising:
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a memory cell access transistor on a substrate; an insulating layer on the memory cell access transistor and on the substrate; a bit line on the insulating layer such that the insulating layer is between the bit line and the substrate; a memory element including a magnetic tunnel junction structure and a heat generating layer electrically connected in series between the bit line and a source/drain region of the memory cell access transistor wherein the magnetic tunnel junction structure includes a pinned layer, a free layer, and a tunneling insulating layer between the pinned and free layers, wherein the heat generating layer and the tunneling insulating layer are spaced apart, and wherein the pinned layer, the free layer, the tunneling insulating layer, and the heat generating layer are electrically coupled in series; and a controller electrically connected to the bit line and the memory cell access transistor wherein the controller is configured to provide a write current between the bit line and the source/drain region of the memory cell access transistor through the magnetic tunnel junction structure and through the heat generating layer so that the write current passes through each of the pinned layer, the free layer, the tunneling insulating layer, and the heat generating layer wherein the write current has a magnitude sufficient to change a program state of the magnetic tunnel junction structure. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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30. A magnetic random access memory (MRAM) device comprising:
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a memory cell access transistor on a substrate; an insulating layer on the memory cell access transistor and on the substrate; a bit line on the insulating layer such that the insulating layer is between the bit line and the substrate; a memory element including a magnetic tunnel junction structure and a heat generating layer electrically connected in series between the bit line and a source/drain region of the memory cell access transistor; and a controller electrically connected to the bit line and the memory cell access transistor, wherein the controller is configured to; provide a first write current in a first direction between the bit line and the source/drain region of the memory cell access transistor through the magnetic tunnel junction structure and through the heat generating layer wherein the first write current has a magnitude sufficient to change a program state of the magnetic tunnel junction structure to a first program state, and provide a second write current in a second direction between the bit line and the source/drain region of the memory cell access transistor through the magnetic tunnel junction structure and through the heat generating layer wherein the second write current has a magnitude sufficient to change a program state of the magnetic tunnel junction structure to a second program state, wherein the first and second directions are different and wherein the first and second program states are different.
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Specification