Patent ID: 6980464
Filing Date: 2005-12-27
Classification: G11C

Abstract:
1. A magnetic random access memory comprising: a memory cell array including memory cells respectively disposed at addresses arranged in a matrix format, each of the memory cells including a magneto resistive element as a storing element, which has a record layer and a reference layer disposed to sandwich a tunnel barrier film and is configured to store data in the record layer; word lines respectively connected to rows of the memory cell array; bit lines respectively connected to columns of the memory cell array; a row decoder configured to select the word lines; and a column decoder configured to select the bit lines, wherein, when stored data in a record layer in a selected memory cell in the memory cell array is read, a value of the stored data is determined by performing a reading action while applying a magnetic field for reading to the magneto resistive element by at least one of the word line and the bit line, the magnetic field for reading being capable of changing a magnetization direction of the reference layer of the selected memory cell without destroying the stored data, and when the stored data is read, a value of the stored data is determined by performing a reading action while not applying the magnetic field for reading, to detect a primitive value of an electrical property of the selected memory cell; performing a reading action while applying the magnetic field for reading, to detect a reference value of an electrical property of the selected memory cell; and comparing the primitive value and the reference value with each other.