Patent ID: 7286392
Filing Date: 2007-10-23
Classification: G11C

Abstract:
1. An array ( 20 ) of magnetoresistive memory elements ( 10 ) provided with at least one data retention indicator device ( 50 ) comprising a first magnetic element ( 51 ) and a second magnetic element ( 52 ) each having a pre-set magnetisation direction, the pre-set magnetisation direction of the first and second magnetic elements ( 51 , 52 ) being different from each other, the first and second magnetic elements ( 51 , 52 ) being suitable for aligning their magnetisation direction with magnetic field lines of an externally applied magnetic field exceeding a detection threshold value, wherein a parameter of the at least one data retention indicator device ( 50 ) is chosen so as to set the detection threshold value of the externally applied magnetic field to be detected, the at least one data retention indicator device ( 50 ) having a state or an output indicative of exposure of the magnetoresistive memory elements ( 10 ) of the array ( 20 ) to said externally applied magnetic field.