Patent ID: 7193889
Filing Date: 2007-03-20
Classification: G11C

Abstract:
1. A magnetic random access memory (MRAM) device comprising: an array of magnetic memory cells; a plurality of word and bit lines connecting columns and rows of the memory cells so that the memory cells are positioned at cross-points of the word and bit lines, each memory cell having a magnetic reference layer and a magnetic data layer, each magnetic reference layer and each magnetic data layer having a magnetization that is switchable between two states under the influence of a magnetic field, each reference layer having at a first temperature a coercivity that is lower than that of each data layer at the first temperature, and a plurality of heating elements each proximate to a respective data layer, each heating element in use providing for localized heating of the respective data layer to reduce the coercivity of the data layer so as to facilitate switching of the data layer.