MRAM

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introduction

Non-volatile
◦ Information is saved even when there is no
power
Immediate boot up
◦ No need to wait for your computer to boot up
MRAM, SRAM and DRAM
◦ MRAM is potentially capable of replacing both
DRAM, SRAM and many advantages over
technology currently used in electronic devices

DRAM
◦ Advantages: cheap
◦ Disadvantages: Comparatively slow and loses
data when power is off
SRAM
◦ Advantages: fast
◦ Disadvantages: cost up to 4 times as much as
DRAM and loses data when power is off
Flash memory
◦ Advantages: save data when power is off
◦ Disadvantages: saving data is slow and use lot
of power

Historical overview

Why MRAM Became an Important Research Topic
◦ Universal Memory (Computing & Electronics)
◦ “Instant-On” Computing
◦ Read & Write to Memory Faster
◦ Reduced Power Consumption
◦ Save Data in Case of a Power Failure


Modern MRAM Technology Emerged from Several
Technologies :
◦ Magnetic Core Memory
◦ Magnetoresistive RAM
◦ Giant Magnetoresistance

Basic principal

The 2 Possible Magnetization
States of a Ferromagnetic Element
can be Described by a Hysteresis
Loop
Magnetization of Film vs. Magnetic
Field
A magnetic field, with magnitude
greater than the switching field,
sets magnetization in direction of
applied field