Abstract:
An MRAM that is not subject to accidental writing of half-selected memory elements is described, together with a method for its manufacture. The key features of this MRAM are a C-shaped memory element used in conjunction with a segmented bit line architecture.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention relates to the general field of Magnetic Random Access Memories (MRAM) with particular reference to widening the operating margin and shaping the memory element. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Magnetic tunneling junctions (MTJs) and GMR/Spin Valve (SV), with two ferromagnetic layers separated by a non-magnetic layer (a tunneling dielectric layer for MTJs and a transitional metal for GMR/SV), have been widely studied for use as a memory element (such as in MRAM). Usually one of the ferromagnetic layers has a fixed magnetization direction (the pinned layer) while the other layer is free to switch its magnetization direction (the free layer). 
   For MRAM applications, the magnetic stack (MTJ or GMR/SV) is usually shaped so as to exhibit shape anisotropy. Shape anisotropy is present whenever the shape of the storage element deviates from a circle, e.g. an ellipse. In its quiescent state, the free layer magnetization lies along the long axis of the cell either parallel or anti-parallel to the direction of magnetization of the pinned layer (see arrows in  FIG. 1   a ). This long axis is referred to as the easy axis (x), the direction perpendicular to it being the hard axis (y). A cross sectional view of this for the case of a MTJ element is shown in  FIG. 1   b , with element  11  representing the free layer, element  12  the dielectric tunneling layer, and element  13  the pinned layer. 
   Digital information is thus stored according to the direction of magnetization of the free layer.  FIG. 2  shows the resistance R of such a MTJ element as a function of external field Hs along the orientation of the pinned layer magnetization. When the field is off, the two states with minimum and maximum resistances correspond to the free layer magnetization being parallel and anti-parallel to the pinned layer magnetization respectively. The field required to switch between the two states (Hs) is determined by the shape anisotropy energy of the element. When an additional external field is simultaneously applied in the hard axis direction at the same time, the value of Hs is reduced, becoming zero when the hard axis field reaches a particular value (Hy_sat). 
   In MRAM applications, both the external fields used to program the MRAM cell are provided by current lines. As shown in  FIG. 3   a , bit line  31  provides the easy axis field while word line  32  provides the hard axis field. To program a cell, both bit and word line currents are applied. The combination of these two fields overcomes the shape anisotropy to set the magnetization of the selected cell into the desired direction. This cell is referred to as a selected cell. Due to process/film property variations, there will be some variation in the shape anisotropy so the combined value of bit/word line fields needed to write each selected cell also varies. To reliably write all selected memory cells, the bitline and wordline current (shown in the figure as I bit  and I word , respectively) have to have been chosen to be able to write the cell will highest shape anisotropy. 
   However, while writing the selected cell, many other cells that lie under the bit line or the word line (but not both) that are not intended to be programmed experience the field of either the bit or word line current. Although this field is smaller than the combined field experienced by the selected cell, these cells can still be accidentally programmed, thereby causing an error. These cells are referred to as half-select cells. The probability of a half-selected cell being accidentally written depends on the value of the applied bitline or wordline current, Hs and Hy_Sat, the higher the bit/word line current and the smaller the Hs or Hy_sat, the easier it is for a half-select error to occur. Again, there are variations in Hs and Hy_sat. So the values of both the bit and word currents must be carefully chosen—too low and the selected cell cannot be reliably programmed, too high and they will cause errors on half-selected cells. 
   The window for programming an MRAM is determined by 3 boundaries: the combined field from both bit and word lines needed to reliably write the selected cells, the distance between the bit line field and the smallest Hs at which I word =0, and the distance between the word line field and the smallest Hy_sat. It is crucial to have a window large enough for the reliable programming of selected cells yet small enough to not cause half-select errors. The window can be enlarged by increasing the shape anisotropy value but this approach demands higher bit and word currents which is not desirable for high density applications. 
   An alternative approach (U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,798,690B1 and 6,798,691 B1) is to increase Hs at I word =0 while maintaining Hs at I word , by confining the free layer magnetization configuration to the “C-state”. The method to achieve this is by patterning the MTJ cell into certain curved shapes. The “C-state” will have much higher Hs, as described by Ref.[1]. As shown in  FIG. 4 , Hs for a small hard axis field, is significantly greater in the C-switching mode  44  than in the conventional rotational switching mode. In the high hard axis field region, the switching behavior of the C-state returns to the normal rotational mode. Thus, for C-state cells, the distance between the bit line field and the smallest Hs at I word =0 is significantly increased. Note that  FIG. 3   b  also shows a pair of lines (current source/sink) shared by both segments. Also shown in  FIG. 3   b  is the enable gate that activates these lines as needed. 
   This approach will significantly reduce the probability of half-select errors under the bit line. The programming window now is mainly defined by the writing field needed to write the selected cell and the distance between the word line field and the smallest Hy_sat. The MRAM write operating points,  41  and  42 , for these two prior art approaches are set near the inflection point  43  of the curves, as indicated in  FIG. 4 . The problem with this operating point is that the inflection point at which the switching mode changes from C-state to normal rotational switching, has a very wide distribution, as indicated by the dashed curves in  FIG. 4 . This causes significantly increased variation in the field needed to write the selected cells, which greatly reduces the operating window. 
   Another approach to handling half-select issues along bit and word line is the segmented write architecture (U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,335,890 and 6,490,217). This is illustrated in  FIG. 3   b . It provides a technique for overcoming the limitations of conventional write selection schemes. By way of example only, a write operation directed to a specific segmented group, e.g.,  334  in  FIG. 3   b  will now be described: 
   Select line memory array  300  directs the application of a destabilizing hard axis magnetic field to a subset of memory cells, namely, those memory cells associated with segmented group  334 . All memory elements  342 ,  344  within the selected segmented group  334  are written simultaneously. An unselected segmented group (e.g.,  336 ), sharing a common write word line  386  with segmented group  334 , does not receive a half-select field along its hard axis even when the group select switch (e.g.,  376 ) corresponding to the unselected segmented group  336  is enabled. This is primarily due to the fact that only one segmented bit slice among adjacent segmented bit slices, e.g., segmented bit slices N and N+1, can receive a destabilizing write current at any given time. 
   Consequently, the magnitude of the hard axis field can be increased with no danger of disturbing the state of an unselected memory cell. Since all memory cells experiencing a hard axis field will, by definition, be written simultaneously, there are no half-selected memory cells along the word dimension using the segment write architecture. 
   The operating point  45  for a selected memory cell in the segmented write architecture is also shown in  FIG. 4 . Seen there is a plot of the required switching field as a function of the hard axis field (both normalized by being shown as fractions of the saturation field Hy_sat). On this part of the operating curve, the magnitude of the easy axis field (used to write the selected cell) can be substantially decreased. The write margin between selected and half-selected cells is significantly increased. Moreover, because a large easy axis field is not required by the select line architecture of the invention, the bit line current required to write the memory cells can be significantly reduced, thereby reducing the overall write current required by the memory array  300 . 
   An example of a C-shape is shown by  FIG. 5   a . The free layer magnetizations at the two tip regions have been arranged to be at an angle to its central region, tilted toward its hard axis direction with the magnetization components perpendicular to the hard axis located opposite to each other. The tip regions serve as the nucleation sites for inducing the C switching. The angle of a tip region with respect to the central region can be varied from 10 to greater than 90 degree. 
   In addition to the references cited above, the following references of interest were also found: 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,272,040 (Salter et al) shows a method to program more than one coupled memory cell using a medium current level. U.S. Pat. No. 6,594,191 (Lammers et al) teaches that only memory cells in a selected segment get a hard axis high field. U.S. Pat. No. 7,020,015 (Hong et al) shows shape anisotropy with edge or tip portions in the “pacman” shape. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   It has been an object of at least one embodiment of the present invention to provide an MRAM that is not subject to accidental writing of half-selected memory elements. 
   Another object of at least one embodiment of the present invention has been to move the operating point for said MRAM into a more stable position. 
   Still another object of at least one embodiment of the present invention has been to provide a method for manufacturing said MRAM. 
   These objects have been achieved by shaping the memory elements of said MRAM into shapes that facilitate magnetization forming a C-configuration, with the central region magnetization parallel along the magnetization of the pinned layer and two tip regions with magnetizations at an angle to the pinned layer magnetization direction, while at the same time organizing the memory elements in a segmented bit line architecture. The result of combining both approaches in a single system is that the operating point (for programming memory elements) is moved to a relatively high word line field region where the switching mode is rotational. At this operating point a huge programming window is achieved since the variation of field needed to program the selected cells is smallest; no half-select cells along the word line; and the field needed from the bit line is significantly reduced together with a significant increase of Hs from the C-state switching so the half-select problem along the bit line is greatly reduced. 
   A detailed description of the shape requirements that must be met by the memory elements is provided together with a large number of examples of possible shapes. 
   The method for manufacturing the magnetic random access memory (MRAM) claimed by the present invention begins with the provision of a magnetically pinned layer, a magnetically free layer, and a transition layer located between these pinned and free layers. The free layer of this MRAM cell is then patterned into a memory element whose shape includes a first area, whose magnetization is along the pinned layer, in a first magnetization direction, and a second area that has two opposing tip regions, having second magnetization directions, that are at an angle relative to the above first magnetization direction. The second magnetization direction has a component that is perpendicular to the first magnetization direction, the first and second directions of magnetization differing by between about 5 and 90 degrees. 
   The write word and bit lines are organized as a set of segmented write line groups, each segmented group including a set of memory cells operatively coupled to a corresponding segmented write word line conductor. The memory cells on one segmented write word line are simultaneously programmed by a set of bit lines operatively coupled to the magnetic memory cells for selectively writing states into the memory cells. 
   In combination with the shaped memory elements, the programming range gets widened as the MRAM is enabled to operate in a region where MRAM cell programming variation is reduced. 
   As examples of the memory element shapes referred to above we describe the following specific shapes in greater detail: 
   alpha, beta, gamma, delta, concave hexagon, epsilon, zeta, eta, theta, iota, kappa, lambda, crescent, sausage, and boomerang: 
   The alpha shape comprises three sides of a rectangle concavely connected by a symmetrical curve. 
   The beta shape comprises three sides of a rectangle that are concavely connected through an asymmetrical curve. 
   The gamma shape comprises a straight-line side, an opposing concave side that is symmetrically disposed relative to the straight line, and a pair of opposing convex sides that connect the concave side to the straight-line side. 
   The delta shape comprises a straight-line side, an opposing concave side that is asymmetrically disposed relative to the straight line, and a pair of opposing convex sides that connect the concave side to the straight-line side. 
   The concave hexagon comprises three sides of a rectangle that are concavely connected through three straight lines of approximately equal length. 
   The epsilon shape comprises a pair of opposing parallel lines having corresponding first and second ends; these first ends are connected through a convex curve and the second ends are connected through a concave curve having a radius that is the same as that of the convex curve. 
   The zeta shape comprises a pair of opposing parallel lines that have corresponding first and second ends, the first ends being connected through a convex curve and the second ends being connected through a concave curve that has a radius of curvature greater than that of the convex curve. 
   The eta shape comprises a pair of opposing parallel lines, having corresponding first and second ends, the first ends being connected through a convex curve while the second ends are connected through a concave curve whose radius of curvature is less than that of the convex curve. 
   The theta shape comprises a pair of symmetrically disposed concentric arcs that subtend less than 180 degrees, these arcs being connected to one another, at corresponding ends, by straight lines. 
   The iota shape comprises a pair of symmetrically disposed concentric arcs that subtend more than 180 degrees, these arcs being connected to one another, at corresponding ends, by straight lines. 
   The kappa shape comprises a pair of symmetrically disposed concentric arcs that subtend less than 180 degrees, these arcs being connected to one another at corresponding ends by a straight line that is also the base of a triangular shape having a rounded apex. 
   The lambda shape comprises a pair of symmetrically disposed concentric arcs that subtend more than 180 degrees, these arcs being connected to one another at corresponding ends by a straight line that is also the base of a triangular shape having a rounded apex. 
   The crescent, sausage, and boomerang shapes are shaped like the objects after which they are named. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b  show the basic parts of a memory elements and how an easy axis results from shape anisotropy of said memory element. 
       FIG. 2  shows the resistance of an MTJ memory element as a function of external field. 
       FIG. 3   a  shows how the external fields used to program an MRAM cell are provided by two seta of current lines. 
       FIG. 3   b  illustrates how the memory elements may be segmented into groups whereby not all memory elements that lie on the same bit or word line as a selected element have to be half selected. 
       FIG. 4  shows the operating points for memory elements of the prior art and the present invention. 
       FIG. 5   a  shows an example of a C-shaped memory element. 
       FIG. 5   b  shows the basic parts of a memory element including the free layer of the invention. 
       FIG. 5   c  shows memory elements formed according to the invention within a segmented group of the type illustrated in  FIG. 3   b.    
       FIGS. 6   a  through  6   e  illustrate shapes alpha, beta, gamma, delta, and the concave hexagon, all of which are a suitable shape for a memory element patterned according to the teachings of the invention. 
       FIGS. 7   a  through  7   c  illustrate shapes epsilon, zeta, and eta, all of which are a suitable shape for a memory element patterned according to the teachings of the invention. 
       FIGS. 8   a  through  8   d  illustrate shapes theta, iota, kappa, and lambda concave hexagon, all of which are a suitable shape for a memory element patterned according to the teachings of the invention. 
       FIGS. 9   a  through  9   d  illustrate the crescent, sausage, boomerang, and packman shapes, respectively, all of which are a suitable shape for a memory element patterned according to the teachings of the invention. 
       FIG. 9   e  symbolizes a general class of “more complex” memory element shapes. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   As discussed earlier, the approach to handling half-select issues along bit and word lines is to combine a segmented write architecture with shaping the MRAM cells to form C-state switching mode. The field operating point for this was shown on  FIG. 4 . The present invention shows how full advantage of the “C-state” switching mode can be taken by combining it with the segmented write architecture. It is, however, important to choose the optimum C-shape when doing so, as we will discuss below. 
   The two aspects of the present invention are: use of shape anisotropy to stabilize the quiescent magnetization in the C-state through obtaining a very high Hs at a low hard axis saturation field (Hy_sat) and eliminating the half-select issue along the word line by utilizing the segmented write architecture. As seen in  FIG. 5   a , the shapes utilized in the C-state usually have an elongated central region to create an easy axis direction while having two edges bent toward its hard axis direction. These two edges can be symmetric or asymmetric against the other dimension. In  FIG. 5   b  we show how, in cross-section, free layer  51  is similar to free layer  11  that appeared in  FIG. 1   b . In plan view, however, free layer  51  has one of several possible C-shapes that will be described below. A schematic illustration of inserting the device of  FIG. 5   b  (instantiated as elements  542  and  544 ) into a segmented architecture, of the type shown in  FIG. 3   b , can be seen in  FIG. 5   c . Some examples of shapes that give optimum results when combined with the segmented bit architecture are given below: 
     FIG. 6   a  illustrates shape alpha which is made up of three sides of a rectangle that are concavely connected through symmetrical curve  61 . 
     FIG. 6   b  illustrates shape beta which is made up of three sides of a rectangle that are concavely connected through asymmetrical curve  62 . Said asymmetry may be located along any part of curve  62 . 
     FIG. 6   c  illustrates shape gamma which is made up of a straight line side, an opposing concave side, symmetrically disposed relative to said straight line, and a pair of opposing convex sides that connect said concave side to said straight line side. 
     FIG. 6   d  illustrates shape delta which is made up of a straight line side, an opposing concave side, asymmetrically disposed relative to said straight line, and a pair of opposing convex sides that connect said concave side to said straight line side. 
     FIG. 6   e  illustrates a concave hexagon wherein three sides of a rectangle are concavely connected through three straight lines of approximately equal length. 
     FIG. 7   a  shows shape epsilon which is made up of a pair of opposing parallel lines  711  having corresponding first and second ends in which said first ends are convexly connected through curve  712  and said second ends are concavely connected through curve  713  that has a radius that is the same as that of curve  712 . 
     FIG. 7   b  shows shape zeta which is made up of a pair of opposing parallel lines  721  having corresponding first and second ends in which said first ends are convexly connected through curve  722  and said second ends are concavely connected through curve  723  that has radius of curvature greater than that of curve  722 . 
     FIG. 7   c  shows shape eta which is made up of a pair of opposing parallel lines  731  having corresponding first and second ends in which said first ends are convexly connected through curve  732  and said second ends are concavely connected through curve  733  that has a radius of curvature less than that of curve  732 . 
     FIG. 8   a  shows shape theta which is made up of a pair of symmetrically disposed concentric arcs that subtend less than 180 degrees, said arcs being connected to one another at corresponding ends by straight lines. 
     FIG. 8   b  shows shape iota which is made up of a pair of symmetrically disposed concentric arcs that subtend more than 180 degrees, said arcs being connected to one another at corresponding ends by straight lines. 
     FIG. 8   c  shows shape kappa which is made up of a pair of symmetrically disposed concentric arcs that subtend less than 180 degrees, each of said arcs being connected to one another at corresponding ends by a straight line that is also the base of a triangular shape having a rounded apex. 
     FIG. 8   d  shows shape lambda which is made up of a pair of symmetrically disposed concentric arcs that subtend more than 180 degrees, each of said arcs being connected to one another at corresponding ends by a straight line that is also the base of a triangular shape having a rounded apex. 
     FIGS. 9   a - 9   d  show several other possible shapes such as the crescent, the sausage, the boomerang, and the packman, respectively. 
     FIG. 9   e  symbolizes the general class of shapes that we will describe as “more complex”. In the general case, any such shape would include a first area (central region) which magnetization lies in a first direction that is along the magnetization of pinned layer and second area (two tip regions) which magnetizations have an angle with respect to the magnetization directions of 1 st  area, the magnetizations of those 3 region forms a general “C” configurations, said first and second directions of magnetization differing by between about 5 and 90 degrees. Additionally, said first area should occupy between about 10 and 95% of the area occupied by said second area. It should also be noted that either or both areas may be made up of more than one non-contiguous sub-areas.