Patent ID: 6172902
Filing Date: 2001-01-09
Classification: B82Y,G11C,H01L

Abstract:
A non-volatile random access memory comprising a plurality of magnetoresistive memory elements connected by sets of non-intersecting conductor sense lines, the non-intersecting conductor sense lines defining the address of each memory element and being connectable to a magnetic write/read recording unit for writing and reading the magnetic state (""0"", ""1"") of each memory element by passing current in its conductor sense lines;wherein the memory elements are a plurality of magnetoresistive submicron dots or wires embedded in a membrane through which the submicron dots or wires extend, the sets of non-intersecting conductor sense lines being connected to the opposite ends of the submicron dots or wires on opposite sides of the membrane; each magnetoresistive submicron dot or wire being composed of ferromagnetic material or a combination of ferromagnetic and non-ferromagnetic materials having at least two magnetic states (""0""; ""1""), writeable and readable absent an induced magnetic field therein by passing there through an electric current, writeable by passing a writing current pulse in its conductor lines sufficient to switch its magnetic states and readable by passing a current in its conductor lines below the level for switching its magnetic states.