Abstract:
Memory self-repair circuitry includes a memory cell array on a chip, and built-in self test (BIST) circuitry on the chip coupled to the memory cell array. The BIST circuitry is configured to perform a magnetic random access memory (MRAM) write operation to write addresses of failed memory cells in the memory cell array to a failed address sector also in the memory cell array. The memory self-repair circuitry also includes first select circuitry coupled between the BIST circuitry and the memory cell array. The first select circuitry is configured to selectively couple an output of the BIST circuitry and an input to the memory cell array.
Abstract:
A hierarchical memory magnetoresistive random-access memory architecture is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, an apparatus includes a first magnetoresistive random-access memory (MRAM) device corresponding to a first level in a hierarchical memory system. The apparatus includes a second MRAM device corresponding to a second level in the hierarchical memory system. The first MRAM device has a first access latency and includes a first magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) device having a first physical configuration. The second MRAM device has a second access latency and includes a second WI device having a second physical configuration. The first access latency is less than the second access latency.
Abstract:
An apparatus includes a structure that includes a bottom cap layer surrounding a metal pad. The apparatus also includes a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) device that includes a bottom electrode coupled to the structure. The MTJ device includes magnetic tunnel junction layers, a top electrode, and a logic cap layer. The MTJ device is offset with respect to the metal pad.
Abstract:
A non-volatile latch circuit includes a pair of cross-coupled inverters, a pair of resistance-based memory elements, and write circuitry configured to write data to the pair of resistance-based memory elements. The pair of resistance-based memory elements is isolated from the pair of cross-coupled inverters during a latching operation. A sensing circuit includes a first current path that includes a resistance-based memory element and an output of the sensing circuit. The sensing circuit includes a second current path to reduce current flow through the resistance-based memory element at a first operating point of the sensing circuit.
Abstract:
A one time programming (OTP) apparatus unit cell includes magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) with reversed connections for placing the MTJ in an anti-parallel resistance state during programming. Increased MTJ resistance in its anti-parallel resistance state causes a higher programming voltage which reduces programming time and programming current.
Abstract:
In a particular embodiment, a method includes controlling a temperature within a chamber while applying a magnetic field. A device including a memory array is located in the chamber. The method includes applying a magnetic field to the memory array and testing the memory array during application of the magnetic field to the memory array at a target temperature.
Abstract:
An apparatus includes a group of data cells and a reference cell coupled to the group of data cells. The reference cell includes four magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) cells.
Abstract:
An apparatus includes a structure that includes a bottom cap layer surrounding a metal pad. The apparatus also includes a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) device that includes a bottom electrode coupled to the structure. The MTJ device includes magnetic tunnel junction layers, a top electrode, and a logic cap layer. The MTJ device is offset with respect to the metal pad.
Abstract:
One feature pertains to a method of implementing a physically unclonable function (PUF). The method includes exposing an array of magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) cells to an orthogonal external magnetic field. The MRAM cells are each configured to represent one of a first logical state and a second logical state, and the orthogonal external magnetic field is oriented in an orthogonal direction to an easy axis of a free layer of the MRAM cells to place the MRAM cells in a neutral logical state that is not the first logical state or the second logical state. The method further includes removing the orthogonal external magnetic field to place each of the MRAM cells of the array randomly in either the first logical state or the second logical state.
Abstract:
One feature pertains to a method for implementing a physically unclonable function (PUF). The method includes providing an array of magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) cells, where the MRAM cells are each configured to represent one of a first logical state and a second logical state. The array of MRAM cells are un-annealed and free from exposure to an external magnetic field oriented in a direction configured to initialize the MRAM cells to a single logical state of the first and second logical states. Consequently, each MRAM cell has a random initial logical state of the first and second logical states. The method further includes sending a challenge to the MRAM cell array that reads logical states of select MRAM cells of the array, and obtaining a response to the challenge from the MRAM cell array that includes the logical states of the selected MRAM cells of the array.