Abstract:
A magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) (13) is embedded with another circuit type (12). Logic (12), such as a processing unit, is particularly well-suited circuit type for embedding with MRAM (13). The embedding is made more efficient by using a metal layer (26) that is used as part of the interconnect for the other circuit (12) also as part of the MRAM cell (13). The MRAM cells (13) are all written by program lines, which are the two lines that cross to define a cell to be written. Thus, the design is simplified because there is commonality of usage of the metal line (26) that is used for one of the program lines for the MRAM and for one of the interconnect lines for the logic (12).
Abstract:
A method for contacting an electrically conductive layer overlying a magnetoelectronics element includes forming a memory element layer overlying a dielectric region. A first electrically conductive layer (26) is deposited overlying the memory element layer (18). A first dielectric layer (28) is deposited overlying the first electrically conductive layer (26) and is patterned and etched to form a first masking layer (28). Using the first masking layer (28), the first electrically conductive layer (26) is etched. A second dielectric layer (36) is deposited overlying the first masking layer (28) and the dielectric region. A portion of the second dielectric layer (36) is removed to expose the first masking layer (28). The second dielectric layer (36) and the first masking layer (28) are subjected to an etching chemistry such that the first masking layer (28) is etched at a faster rate than the second dielectric layer (36). The etching exposes the first electrically conductive layer (26).
Abstract:
An integrated circuit device (600) is provided which includes a heat source (604) disposed in a substrate (602), and a Magnetic Tunnel Junction ("MTJ") temperature sensor (608) disposed over the heat source.
Abstract:
An integrated circuit device (600) is provided which includes a heat source (604) disposed in a substrate (602), and a Magnetic Tunnel Junction ("MTJ") temperature sensor (608) disposed over the heat source.
Abstract:
An integrated circuit device (300) includes a magnetic random access memory ("MRAM") architecture and a smart power integrat circuit architecture formed on the same substrate (302) using the same fabrication process technology The fabrication process technology is a modular process having a front end process and a back end process In the example embodiment, the smart power architecture includes a power circuit component (304), a digital logic component (306), and an analog control component (312) form by the front end process, and a sensor architecture (308) formed by the back end process The MRAM architecture (310) includes an MRAM circuit component (314) formed by the front end process and an MRAM cell array (316) formed by the back end process In one practical embodiment, the sensor architecture (308) includes a sensor component that is formed from the same magnetic tunnel junction core material utilized by the MRAM cell array (316).
Abstract:
A method for contacting an electrically conductive layer overlying a magnetoelectronics element includes forming a memory element layer overlying a dielectric region. A first electrically conductive layer (26) is deposited overlying the memory element layer (18). A first dielectric layer (28) is deposited overlying the first electrically conductive layer (26) and is patterned and etched to form a first masking layer (28). Using the first masking layer (28), the first electrically conductive layer (26) is etched. A second dielectric layer (36) is deposited overlying the first masking layer (28) and the dielectric region. A portion of the second dielectric layer (36) is removed to expose the first masking layer (28). The second dielectric layer (36) and the first masking layer (28) are subjected to an etching chemistry such that the first masking layer (28) is etched at a faster rate than the second dielectric layer (36). The etching exposes the first electrically conductive layer (26).
Abstract:
A method for fabricating an MRAM device structure (10) includes providing a substrate (12) on which is formed a first transistor (14) and a second transistor (14). An operative memory element device (60) is formed in electrical contact with the first transistor (14). At least a portion of a false memory element device (58) is formed in electrical contact with the second transistor (14). A first dielectric layer (62) is deposited overlying the at least a portion of a false memory element device and the operative memory element device. The first dielectric layer is etched to simultaneously form a first via (66) to the at least a portion of a false memory element device (58) and a second via (64) to the operative memory element device (60). An electrically conductive interconnect layer (68) is deposited so the electrically conductive interconnect layer extends from the at least a portion of a false memory element device (58) to the operative memory element device (64).
Abstract:
An integrated circuit device (300) includes a magnetic random access memory ("MRAM") architecture (310) and at least one inductance element (3 12, 3 14) formed on the same substrate using the same fabrication process technology. The inductance element, which may be an inductor or a transformer, is formed at the same metal layer (or layers) as the program lines of the MRAM architecture. Any available metal layer in addition to the program line layers can be added to the inductance element to enhance its efficiency. The concurrent fabrication of the MRAM architecture (310) and the inductance element (312, 314) facilitates an efficient and cost effective use of the physical space available over active circuit blocks of the substrate, resulting in three-dimensional integration.
Abstract:
A magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) (13) is embedded with another circuit type (12). Logic (12), such as a processing unit, is particularly well-suited circuit type for embedding with MRAM (13). The embedding is made more efficient by using a metal layer (26) that is used as part of the interconnect for the other circuit (12) also as part of the MRAM cell (13). The MRAM cells (13) are all written by program lines, which are the two lines that cross to define a cell to be written. Thus, the design is simplified because there is commonality of usage of the metal line (26) that is used for one of the program lines for the MRAM and for one of the interconnect lines for the logic (12).
Abstract:
An integrated circuit device (800) is provided which comprises a substrate (801), a conductive line (807) configured to experience a pressure, and a magnetic tunnel junction ("MTJ") core (802) formed between the substrate and the current line. The conductive line (807) is configured to move in response to the pressure, and carries a current which generates a magnetic field. The MTJ core (802) has a resistance value which varies based on the magnetic field. The resistance of the MTJ core (802) therefore varies with respect to changes in the pressure. The MTJ core (802) is configured to produce an electrical output signal which varies as a function of the pressure.