Magnetic shield member, magnetic shield structure, and magnetic memory device

It is an object of the invention to relax magnetic saturation and realize a high-performance magnetic shield effect that is suitable for magnetic devices such as an MRAM. A magnetic shield member of the invention is suitable for a magnetic memory device in which a magnetic random access memory (MRAM) consisting of a TMR element formed by stacking a magnetization fixed layer with a direction of magnetization fixed and a magnetic layer, in which a direction of magnetization can be changed, via a tunnel barrier layer is sealed by a sealing material such as resin. A planar shape or a sectional shape of magnetic shield plates provided on the sealing material in order to magnetically shield the MRAM is a shape in which a side substantially perpendicular to a direction of an outer magnetic field and a side substantially parallel to the direction of an outer magnetic field are not orthogonal to each other, in particular, circular, polygonal, or the like, whereby it is possible to relax magnetic saturation of the magnetic shield plate and keep the magnetic shield effect.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

The present application claims priority to Japanese Application(s) No(s). P2004-045859 filed Feb. 23, 2004, which application(s) is/are incorporated herein by reference to the extent permitted by law.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a magnetic shield member serving as means for preventing intrusion of an outer magnetic field and a magnetic shield structure and a magnetic memory apparatus using this magnetic shield member.

2. Description of the Related Art

In recent years, in an increasingly worsening electromagnetic environment, since magnetic failures also increases in the field of a static magnetic field, there is a demand for a high-performance, simple, and inexpensive magnetic shield method.

For the purpose of protecting electronic devices from a leak magnetic field from a superconductive applied device or preventing an electron beam from deflecting due to a magnetic field in a device using the electron beam, sufficient magnetic shield is important. In particular, in the field of magnetic recording, the magnetic shield is attached more importance. It is impossible to use a magnetic head for audio, in which a high permeability material such as Permalloy is used, without the magnetic shield. Moreover, in accordance with the spread of magnetic recording media such as magnetic recording disks like a flexible disk and a hard disk and magnetic recording cards such as a cash card and a credit card, the magnetic shield is required for the purpose of protection of information from an outer magnetic field.

A memory attracting attentions as a high-speed, large capacity (highly integrated), low power consumption, and small nonvolatile memory is a magnetic memory called Magnetic Random Access Memory (MRAM), which is described in, for example, Wang et al., IEEE Trans. Magn. 33 (1997), 4498. This memory is attracting attentions due to the improvement in characteristics of Tunnel Magnetoresistance (TRM) materials in recent years.

The MRAM is a semiconductor magnetic memory utilizing a magnetoresistance effect based on a spin dependent conduction phenomenon peculiar to a nano-magnetic substance and is a nonvolatile memory that can keep memory without the supply of electric power from the outside. Due to its simple structure, it is easy to highly integrate the MRAM. In addition, the MRAM has a large number of rewritable times because recording is performed by rotation of a magnetic moment. Further, concerning an access time, it is expected that the MRAM operates at an extremely high speed. It has already been reported in R. Scheuerlein et al., ISSCC Digest of Technical Papers, pp. 128-129, February 2000 that the MRAM is capable of operating at 100 MHz.

To explain such an MRAM more in detail, as schematically shown inFIG. 20, a TMR element10serving as a memory element of a memory cell of the MRAM is a memory element consisting of a structure obtained by stacking a magnetization fixed layer26with a direction of magnetization fixed and a storage layer2, in which magnetization rotates relatively easily, via a tunnel barrier layer3.

A ferromagnetic substance consisting of nickel, iron, or cobalt or an alloy of these metals is used for the storage layer2and the magnetization fixed layer26. The tunnel barrier layer3consists of an insulator such as an oxide or a nitride of aluminum, magnesium, silicon, or the like. The tunnel barrier layer3plays roles for cutting magnetic coupling of the storage layer2and the magnetization fixed layer26and feeding a tunnel current.

Although not shown in the figure, the magnetization fixed layer26has a first magnetization fixed layer and a second magnetization fixed layer. A conductive layer of ruthenium, copper, chrome, gold, or silver, to which these magnetization fixed layers couple ferromagnetically, may be sandwiched between both the magnetization fixed layers. In addition, the second magnetization fixed layer is in contact with an antiferromagnetic substance layer of a manganese alloy of iron, nickel, platinum, iridium, or rhodium, a cobalt oxide, or a nickel oxide. Thus, the second magnetization fixed layer has a strong magnetic anisotropy in one direction due to an exchange interaction that acts between these layers.

In the memory cell, an n-type field effect transistor for readout19consisting of a gate insulation film15, a gate electrode16, a source region17, and a drain region18, which is formed, for example, in a p-type well region formed in a p-type silicon semiconductor substrate13, is arranged. A word line for writing12, a TMR element10, and a bit line11are arranged above the n-type field effect transistor for readout19. The TMR element10is connected to the bit line11via an uppermost conductive layer. The word line12is provided below the TMR element10via an insulating layer. A sense line21is connected to the source region17via the source electrode20. The field effect transistor19functions as a switching element for readout. A wiring for readout22, which is drawn out from a space between the word line12and the TMR element10, is connected to the drain region18via a drain electrode23. Note that the transistor19may be an n-type or p-type field effect transistor. Besides, various kinds of switching elements such as a diode, a bipolar transistor, and a metal semiconductor field effect transistor (MESFET) can be used as the transistor19.

FIG. 21shows an equivalent circuit diagram of the MRAM. The MRAM has the bit lines11and the word lines for writing12that cross each other. At crossing points of these writing lines, the storage elements10as well as the field effect transistors19, which are connected to the storage elements and select an element at the time of readout, and the sense lines21are provided. The sense lines21are connected to sense amplifiers23and detect stored information. Note that reference numeral24in the figure denotes bidirectional word line current drive circuits for writing and25denotes bit line current drive circuits.

FIG. 22is an asteroid curve indicating writing conditions for the MRAM.FIG. 22shows a reversed threshold value in a storage layer magnetization direction according to a magnetic field in a direction of easy axis of magnetization HEAand a magnetic field in a direction of hard axis of magnetization HHAapplied to the MRAM. When a corresponding synthetic magnetic field vector is generated outside this asteroid curve, magnetic field reversal is caused. However, a synthetic magnetic field vector inside the asteroid curve never reverses the cell from one side of a current bistable state thereof. In addition, in the cell other than the crossing points of the word lines and the bit lines to which an electric current flows, since magnetic fields, which occur only in the word lines or the bit lines, are applied. Thus, when a magnitude of the magnetic fields is equal to or larger than a one direction reversed magnetic field HK, a direction of magnetization of the cells other than the crossing points are also reversed. Therefore, an arrangement is made such that a selected cell is made selectively writable only when a synthetic magnetic field is in a gray area in the figure.

As described above, in the MRAM, in general, two writing lines of the bit line and the word line are used, whereby asteroid magnetization reversal characteristics is utilized to write information only in a designated memory cell according to reversal of a magnetic spin. Synthetic magnetization in a single storage area depends upon vector synthesis of the magnetic field in a direction of easy axis of magnetization HEAand the magnetic field in a direction of hard axis of magnetization HHAapplied to the storage area. A writing current flowing through the bit line applies the magnetic field in a direction of easy axis of magnetization HEAto the cell. A current flowing through the word line applies the magnetic field in a direction of hard axis of magnetization HHAto the cell.

FIG. 23explains a readout operation of the MRAM. As described above, in writing of information, a magnetic spin of a cell is reversed by synthetic magnetic fields in the crossing points of the bit lines11and the word lines12, which are wired in a matrix shape, and directions of the magnetic spin are recorded as information of “1” and “0”. In addition, the readout is performed utilizing a TMR effect that is an application of the magnetic resistance effect. The TMR effect is a phenomenon in which a resistance value changes depending upon a direction of a magnetic spin. “1” and “0” of the information are detected according to a state of a high resistance in which the magnetic spin is anti-parallel and a state of a low resistance in which the magnetic sin is parallel. This readout is performed by feeding a readout current (tunnel current) between the work lines12and the bit lines11and reading out an output according to a level of the resistance to the sense lines21via the field effect transistors for readout19described above.

As described above, the MRAM is expected as a high speed and nonvolatile large capacity memory. However, since a magnetic substance is used for keeping a memory, there is a problem in that information is erased or rewritten due to an influence of an outer magnetic field. “0” and “1” are written by rotating a direction of a magnetic spin 180° and are read out according to a difference of resistance caused by the direction of the magnetic spin. However, since a coercive force (Hc) is, for example, about several Oe to 100 Oe, if an internal leak magnetic field due to an outer magnetic field exceeding the coercive force acts, it may be impossible to selectively perform writing in a predetermined memory cell.

Therefore, as a step for putting the MRAM to practical use, establishment of measures against an outer magnetic field, that is, a magnetic shield structure for shielding an element from external electromagnetic waves is desired.

As a shape and a structure of magnetic shield means, in general, a space to be prevented from being affected by magnetic fields are covered and surrounded by a high magnetic permeability material or a high saturation magnetization material. In addition, when a space to be prevented from being affected by magnetic fields is small, it is also possible to sandwich the space with two magnetic shield plates (a sandwich structure).

As a magnetic shield structure of the MRAM, there is a proposal for giving magnetic shield characteristics to the MRAM by using an insulative ferrite (MnZn and NiZn ferrite) layer for a passivation film of an MRAM element (see U.S. Pat. No. 5,902,690 (fifth column andFIGS. 1 and 3)). In addition, there is a proposal forgiving a magnetic shield effect to the MRAM by attaching high magnetic permeability magnetic substances such as permalloy above and below a package to prevent intrusion of magnetic fluxes into an internal element (see U.S. Pat. No. 5,939,772 (second column andFIGS. 1 and 2)). Moreover, there is a disclosure about a structure in which an element is covered with a shield lid of a magnetic material such as soft iron (JP-A-2001-250206 (right column on page 5 andFIG. 6)).

In order to prevent intrusion of external magnetic fluxes into the memory cell of the MRAM, it is most important to surround an element with a magnetic material having a high magnetic permeability to provide a magnetic path that prevents magnetic fluxes from intruding into the MRAM. For this purpose, best means is to completely cover the element with a magnetic shield layer, but it is difficult to manufacture an actual shield structure. Thus, a magnetic shield that can be manufactured easily is desired.

Thus, as Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-357806, the applicant has already proposed an MRAM that is simply provided with a magnetic shield layer and can realize a high-performance magnetic shield effect. This will be hereinafter referred to as the invention of the earlier application.

According to this invention of the earlier application, as shown inFIGS. 24A,24B and20, in a package in which a magnetic random access memory (MRAM)30consisting of a memory element formed by stacking the magnetization fixed layer26with a direction of magnetization fixed and the magnetic layer2, in which a direction of magnetization can be changed, via the tunnel barrier layer3as described above is sealed by a sealing material32such as resin, magnetic shield layers (magnetic shield plates)52A and52B having a rectangular parallelepiped shape as a planar shape for magnetically shielding the MRAM30are provided in contact with one outer surface and/or the other outer surface of the sealing material32(or on at least one side of the sealing material32in the inside thereof in a non-contact state with the MRAM30). Note that, in the figure, reference numeral41denotes a die pad for fixing the MRAM30and31denotes an external lead. However, for example, wire bonding for connecting the MRAM30and the external lead31is not shown in the figure.

Therefore, according to the magnetic memory device of the invention of the earlier application, taking notice of the fact that the MRAM30is mainly used as the package molded by the sealing material32such as resin, the magnetic shield layers52A and52B are pasted to one outer surface (e.g., an upper surface of the package on a chip surface side of the memory element) or the other surface (e.g., a lower surface of the package on a chip rear surface side of the memory element) of the molded package sealing material32substantially in parallel with the MRAM30or an outer magnetic field (a magnetic line of force) with an adhesive or the like. This makes it possible to easily attach or detach the magnetic shield layers52A and52B, which are processed in a shape effective for magnetic shield, or it is possible to easily embed the magnetic shield layers52A and52B in a predetermined position in the sealing material32on at least one side of the memory element30simply by arranging the magnetic shield layers52A and52B in a mold at the time of molding. Therefore, it is possible to easily realize magnetic shield, which is high-performance for the MRAM, and simplify work for mounting the magnetic shield. In addition, this package has a structure and a shape that are also suitable when the package is mounted on a circuit board.

The magnetic shield effect realized by using the magnetic material is easily understood with reference toFIGS. 25Aand25B.FIG. 25Ashows a state in which a magnetic substance51of a ring shape in section, which has a hollow50in the inside, is placed in an outer magnetic field H0. The magnetic substance51is affected by the magnetic field and magnetized to have magnetic poles. The magnetic poles generated in the magnetic substance generate a magnetic field in a direction opposite to a direction of the outer magnetic field around the magnetic poles. When this magnetic field in the opposite direction and the magnetic field around the magnetic poles are synthesized, as shown inFIG. 25B, a space in the inside surrounded by the magnetic substance51changes to a very small magnetic field space having an inner magnetic field Hi. This means that the magnetic substance51has caused the shield effect.

However, with the structure in which mainly a space to be prevented from being affected by a magnetic field is covered and surrounded by the magnetic substance51consisting of a high magnetic permeability material or a high saturation magnetization material as described above, the MRAM is not preferably mounted on a device that tends to be reduced in size and weight. In addition, when a space to be prevented from being affected by a magnetic field is small, it is possible to sandwich the space with two magnetic shield plates (a sandwich structure). However, when mounting of the MRAM on a device and weight of the device are taken into account, it is indispensable to form a magnetic shield plate in a shape and a structure that realizes larger shield efficiency with a smaller volume.

In particular, magnetic saturation starts when the outer magnetic field H0increases in size to be close to a limit of saturation magnetic flux density of the magnetic shield material. The magnetic saturation starts from a part where magnetic lines of force concentrate in the inside of a magnetic shield member and a magnetic permeability decreases. As a result, the magnetic shield effect falls. Consequently, it is also necessary to relax the magnetic saturation in the inside of the magnetic shield member.

It is generally recognized that magnetic lines of force are substantially perpendicular to a high magnetic permeability material in a boundary of the air and the high magnetic permeability material, a density of magnetic lines of force (magnetic flux density) in a magnetic substance increases, and a density of magnetic lines of force in a space surrounded by the magnetic substance decreases. Taking this recognition into account, in the case of a planar magnetic shield plate52of a rectangular shape (e.g., a square shape) as shown inFIG. 26, a portion (c), where magnetic lines of force concentrate, is generated in the magnetic substance due to a magnetic field intruding from a facet portion (e) ((e) inFIG. 26) perpendicular to a direction of an outer magnetic field and a facet portion (b) parallel to the magnetic shield plate52. As a result, magnetic saturation tends to occur and the magnetic shield effect falls.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention has been devised in view of the problems, and it is an object of the invention to relax magnetic saturation with improvement in a shape and a structure of a magnetic shield member and realize magnetic shield that is preferable and high-performance for a magnetic device such as an MRAM.

The invention relates to a magnetic shield member in which, in a planar shape or/and a sectional shape, angles formed by sides on an intrusion side and an emission side of an outer magnetic field and sides adjacent to the sides are obtuse angles, respectively. In addition, the invention relates to a magnetic shield member in which the planar shape or/and the sectional shape is an m-sided polygon (m is an integer satisfying the condition m≧-4) and corners formed by the sides and the adjacent sides assume an outward curved line shape.

The invention provides a magnetic shield in which the planar shape or/and the sectional shape form a continuous surface over an entire area thereof and at least an intrusion side and an emission side of an outer magnetic field of outer peripheral sides thereof form an outward curved line shape.

The invention provides a magnetic shield structure in which at least one of the magnetic shields of the invention is set.

The invention also provides a magnetic memory device that has a magnetic memory unit and has the magnetic shield of the invention opposed to this magnetic memory unit.

Note that, in the invention, the “sides on an intrusion side and an emission side of an outer magnetic field and sides adjacent to the sides” mean sides that are adjacent (or continuous) to sides crossing (in particular, perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to) an outer magnetic field direction in the intrusion or emission side of the outer magnetic field. These sides form the “angles” or the “corners” described above.

In the invention, in order to realize advantages of the invention surely and sufficiently, the angles formed by the sides and the adjacent sides should be set to an angle exceeding 90° (i.e., obtuse angle), respectively. In particular, it is desirable that this angle is 108° or more and less than 180°. If the angle is less than 108°, concentration of magnetic fields in the magnetic shield member increases. If the angle is 180° or more, concentration of magnetic fields at corners of the magnetic shield member, which is caused by the angle, tends to occur.

In this case, it is preferable that the planar shape or/and the sectional shape in a plane, which is in a direction of the outer magnetic field or parallel (completely parallel or substantially parallel) to the memory unit, is an n-sided polygon (n is an integer satisfying conditions n≧5 and ∞>n≧5).

In addition, when the planar shape or/and the sectional shape is an m-sided polygon, it is preferable that ∞>m≧4, and it is preferable that each of the corners of the outward curved line shape in this m-sided polygon are present between two linear sides. However, it is desirable to set a ratio of a length in the outer magnetic field direction of the corner (in particular, a radius at the corner) r and a length of a linear side adjacent to the corner (in particular, a length in the outer magnetic field direction) L as r/L≧1/4 in the planar shape and r/L≧1/3 in the sectional shape. When this ratio deviates from this range to be small, the corner of the curved line shape becomes too small, and the concentration of magnetic fields in the magnetic shield member tends to increase. In addition, in the sectional shape, it is desirable to set a ratio of a length D1in a longitudinal direction (a direction substantially parallel to the memory unit) and a length D2of a short side (a direction substantially perpendicular to the memory unit) as D1/D2≧5.

When the planar shape or/and the sectional shape form a continuous surface over the entire area thereof and at least an intrusion side and an emission side of an outer magnetic field of an outer periphery of the surface form an outward curved line shape, in particular, it is desirable that the planar shape or/and the sectional shape are circular or elliptical.

It is preferable that the magnetic shield member of the invention (in particular a magnetic shield plate of a tabular shape) has a magnetic shield structure in which at least one magnetic shield member is set substantially in parallel to an outer magnetic field. This may hold true for a case in which the magnetic shield is applied to a magnetic memory device. However, it is preferable that the magnetic shield is arranged to be opposed to a magnetic memory unit or a magnetic random access memory and substantially in parallel thereto. In particular, since the magnetic shield member of the invention is excellent in a magnetic shield effect regardless of a small size, the magnetic shield member is suitable for the magnetic random access memory. However, the magnetic shield member may be applied to other magnetic devices such as a magnetic memory.

In this case, it is preferable that the magnetic memory unit is constituted as a magnetic random access memory (MRAM) consisting of a memory element, which is formed by stacking a magnetization fixed layer with a direction of magnetization fixed and a magnetic layer, in which a direction of magnetization can be changed, and the magnetic shield member is provided to be opposed to the magnetic random access memory. Further, it is preferable that a pair of the magnetic shield members are set in parallel to each other, and the magnetic memory unit or the magnetic random access memory is arranged between these magnetic shields.

Note that, in the invention, as a shield material for forming the magnetic shield member, there are pure iron, Fe—Ni, Fe—Co, Fe—Ni—Co, Fe—Si, Fe—Al—Si, and ferrite materials. Among them, a material that not only has a certain degree of magnetic permeability but also high saturation magnetization, which is never saturated with respect to an outer magnetic field easily, is desirable. As such a material, a material having saturation magnetization equal to or higher than 1.8 tesla (T), in particular, a soft magnetic material including at least one kind selected out of a group consisting of 2 to 3 weight % of Si and the balance of Fe; 47 to 50 weight % of Co and the balance of Fe; 35 to 40 weight % of Co and the balance of Fe; 23 to 27 weight % of Co and the balance of Fe; 48 to 50 weight % of Co, 1 to 3 weight % of V, and the balance of Fe is desirable.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A preferred embodiment of the invention will be hereinafter described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1andFIGS. 2A to 2Care diagrams illustrating planar shapes of various kinds of magnetic shield plates62according to this embodiment.

FIG. 1shows a magnetic shield plate of an ideal planar shape for relaxing magnetic saturation in a plane direction of the magnetic shield plate, that is, a circular magnetic shield plate62. In this circular magnetic shield plate62, there is almost no facet portion “a” perpendicular to intrusion and emission directions of an outer magnetic field and the facet portion “b” parallel to the directions as shown inFIG. 26. This means that there is no area where the facet portion “a” and the facet portion “b” are orthogonal to each other. Thus, magnetic fields (magnetic lines of force) caused by an outer magnetic field never concentrate in the magnetic shield plate62. As a result, it is possible to relax the magnetic saturation sufficiently and improve a magnetic shield effect significantly.

FIG. 2Ashows the magnetic shield plate62of a planar shape of a polygon (an n-sided polygon: ∞>n≧5, for example, n=8). As inFIG. 1, when an outer magnetic field intrusion side is set in a lower part of the figure and an outer magnetic field emission side is set in an upper part of the figure, it is assumed that an angle θ formed by a side62aon the outer magnetic field intrusion side (perpendicular to an outer magnetic field direction) and a side62badjacent to the side62ais an obtuse angle ∞>θ>90°, in particular 180°>θ≧108°, for example, 135°. When this angle is less than 108°, concentration of magnetic fields in the magnetic shield plate62increases. When this angle is equal to or larger than 180°, a polygon cannot be formed or a distorted corner like an imaginary line is generated, and the concentration of magnetic fields tends to occur in this corner.

In the magnetic shield plate62inFIG. 2A, both the sides62aand62bare not orthogonal to each other and largely deviate from an orthogonal state. Thus, it is possible to reduce the concentration of magnetic fields intruding from both the sides. This holds true for both sides62cand62don the outer magnetic field emission side.

FIG. 2Bshows the magnetic shield plate62of a sectional shape of a polygon (an m-sided polygon: ∞>m≧4, for example, m=4). A corner60formed by the side62aon the outer magnetic field intrusion side (perpendicular to the outer magnetic field direction) and a side62eadjacent to the side62aare rounded in an outward arc shape (radiused). Consequently, the side62aand a side of the corner60are not orthogonal to each other and largely deviate from an orthogonal state. Thus, as shown inFIG. 1, it is possible to reduce the concentration of intruding magnetic fields. This holds true for the outer magnetic field emission side.

It is preferable that the corner60of the outward arc shape is present between both the linear sides62aand62e. However, it is desirable to set a ratio of a length in the outer magnetic field direction of this corner (a radius of the corner) r and a length of the linear side62eadjacent to the corner (a length in the outer magnetic field direction) L as r/L≧1/4. When this ratio deviates from this range to be small, the corner60of the arc shape becomes too small, and the concentration of magnetic fields in the magnetic shield tends to increase.

FIG. 2Cshows the magnetic shield plate62of an elliptical planar shape. This is excellent in an action for relaxing magnetic saturation like the circular magnetic shield plate shown inFIG. 1and has a satisfactory magnetic shield effect.

FIG. 3shows a magnetic shield plate72of an ideal sectional shape, that is, a circular shape in section for relaxing magnetic saturation in a thickness direction taking into account the fact that outer magnetic fields intrude and are emitted in a thickness (sectional) direction of a magnetic shield plate. In this magnetic shield plate72of a circular shape in section, there is almost no facet portion perpendicular to intrusion and emission directions of an outer magnetic field and the facet portion parallel to the directions. This means that there is no area where the facet portions are orthogonal to each other. Thus, magnetic fields (magnetic lines of force) caused by an outer magnetic field never concentrate in the magnetic shield plate72. As a result, it is possible to relax the magnetic saturation sufficiently and improve a magnetic shield effect significantly.

FIG. 4Ashows the magnetic shield plate72of a polygonal sectional shape of a polygon (an n-sided polygon: ∞>n≧5, for example, n=8). As inFIG. 3, when an outer magnetic field intrusion side is set in a lower part of the figure and an outer magnetic field emission side is set in an upper part of the figure, it is assumed that an angle θ formed by a side72aon the outer magnetic field intrusion side (perpendicular to an outer magnetic field direction) and a side72badjacent to the side72ais an obtuse angle ∞>θ>90°, in particular 180°>θ>108°, for example, 135°. When this angle is less than 108°, concentration of magnetic fields in the magnetic shield plate72increases. When this angle is equal to or larger than 180°, a polygon cannot be formed or the same distorted corner as the one indicated by the imaginary line inFIG. 2Ais generated, and the concentration of magnetic fields tends to occur in this corner.

In the magnetic shield plate72inFIG. 4A, both the sides72aand72bare not orthogonal to each other and largely deviate from an orthogonal state. Thus, it is possible to reduce the concentration of magnetic fields intruding from both the sides. This holds true for both sides72cand72don the outer magnetic field emission side.

However, as shown in the right side inFIG. 4A, actually, in the sectional shape of the magnetic shield plate72, it is desirable to set a ratio of a length D1in a longitudinal direction (a direction substantially parallel to a memory unit to be described later or a horizontal direction in the figure) and a length D2of a short side (a direction substantially perpendicular to the memory unit) as D1/D2≧5 (the same holds true in the following description). This section is equivalent to a cross section along line IV-IV inFIG. 2A(the same holds true in the following description).

FIG. 4Bshows the magnetic shield plate72of a sectional shape of a polygon (an m-sided polygon: ∞>m≧4, for example, m=4). A corner70formed by the side72aon the outer magnetic field intrusion side (perpendicular to the outer magnetic field direction) and a side72eadjacent to the side72aare rounded in an outward arc shape (radiused). Consequently, the side72aand a side of the corner70are not orthogonal to each other and largely deviate from an orthogonal state. Thus, as shown inFIG. 3, it is possible to reduce the concentration of intruding magnetic fields. This holds true for the outer magnetic field emission side.

It is preferable that the corner70of the outward arc shape is present between both the linear sides72aand72e. However, it is desirable to set a ratio of a length in the outer magnetic field direction of this corner (a radius of the corner) r and a length of the linear side72eadjacent to the corner (a length in the outer magnetic field direction) L as r/L≧1/3. When this ratio deviates from this range to be small, the corner70of the arc shape becomes too small, and the concentration of magnetic fields in the magnetic shield tends to increase.

FIG. 4Cshows the magnetic shield plate72of an elliptical planar shape. This is excellent in an action for relaxing magnetic saturation like the magnetic shield plate circular in section shown inFIG. 3and has a satisfactory magnetic shield effect.

FIG. 5shows a package in which a magnetic random access memory (MRAM)30consisting of a memory element formed by stacking the magnetization fixed layer26with a direction of magnetization fixed and the magnetic layer2, in which a direction of magnetization can be changed, via the tunnel barrier layer3as shown inFIG. 24is sealed by a sealing material32such as resin. Magnetic shield layers for magnetically shielding the MRAM30, for example, magnetic shield plates62A and62B having a circular planar shape are provided in contact with one outer surface and/or the other outer surface of the sealing material32(or on at least one side of the sealing material32in the inside thereof in a non-contact state with the MRAM30). Note that, in the figure, reference numeral41denotes a die pad for fixing the MRAM30and31denotes an external lead. However, for example, wire bonding for connecting the MRAM30and the external lead31is not shown in the figure.

This magnetic memory device incorporates the MRAM30susceptible to an influence of an outer magnetic field. However, for example, the pair of magnetic shield plates62A and62B, which are provided on the sealing material32so as to sandwich the MRAM30form both sides thereof, have a circular planar shape shown inFIG. 1. Thus, even if an outer magnetic field substantially parallel to the MRAM30intrudes into the magnetic shield plates62A and62B arranged substantially in parallel to the MRAM30, the magnetic shield plates62A and62B are not magnetically saturated easily and can sufficiently hold a magnetic shield effect to improve performance, in particular, writing characteristics of the MRAM30regardless of a small size thereof.

In this magnetic memory device, as in the invention of the earlier application described above, taking notice of the fact that the MRAM30is mainly used as the package molded by the sealing material32such as resin, the magnetic shield plates62A and62B are pasted to one outer surface (e.g., an upper surface of the package on a chip surface side of the memory element) or the other surface (e.g., a lower surface of the package on a chip rear surface side of the memory element) of the molded package sealing material32substantially in parallel with the MRAM30or an outer magnetic field (a magnetic line of force) with an adhesive or the like. This makes it possible to easily attach or detach the magnetic shield plates62A and62B, which are processed in a shape effective for magnetic shield, or it is possible to easily embed the magnetic shield plates62A and62B in a predetermined position in the sealing material32on at least one side of the memory element30simply by arranging the magnetic shield plates62A and62B in a mold at the time of molding. Therefore, it is possible to easily realize a magnetic shield, which is high-performance for the MRAM, and simplify work for mounting the magnetic shield. In addition, this package has a structure and a shape that are also suitable when the package is mounted on a circuit board.

In order to confirm a relaxation phenomenon of magnetic saturation of the magnetic shield plate of the shape and the structure described above, a magnetic shield effect was analyzed by simulation using the magnetic shield plate.

The publicly known ANSYS was used as a simulator, and a shield structure consisting of two square magnetic shield plates and a shield structure consisting of two circular magnetic shield plates were analyzed to compare both the shield structures. Note that the ANSYS is a simulation program that was developed by Dr. John A. Swanson and satisfies requirements of all finite element methods such as electrical, thermal, and structure analyses. A wide range of analysis functions are prepared for a linear/nonlinear structural analysis, a steady/non-steady heat conduction analysis, a thermal fluid analysis, an electromagnetic field analysis, a piezoelectric analysis, an acoustic analysis, and a shock/fall problem. Extensive analysis functions of the ANSYS and, in particular, a flexible composite analysis function called multi-physics satisfy needs of a wide range of users. The ANSYS has grown into a CEA program that is rated most highly all over the world. (http://www.cybernet.co.jp/ansys/information/ansys.html).

FIG. 6shows the magnetic shield structures used for the analysis. A size of the conventional square magnetic shield plates52A and52B was set to 14×14×0.25 mm and an interval between the two magnetic shield plates52A ad52B was set to 3.45 mm. In addition, a size of the circular magnetic shield plates62A and62B based on the invention was set to φ15.8×0.25 mm and an interval between the two magnetic shield plates62A and62B was set to 3.45 mm. Note that volumes of the square shield (model1) and the circular shield (model2) were equal and magnetic intensities to be applied to the shields as outer magnetic fields were set to 7957.75 A/m (100 Oe) and 23873.24 A/m (300 Oe), respectively.

The magnetic shield plates used in the analysis were made of an Fe—Si material. Material characteristics thereof are shown inFIG. 7.FIG. 7shows a relation of a magnetic flux density with respect to an applied magnetic field (HB curve).

FIG. 8,FIGS. 9A and 9B,FIG. 10, andFIGS. 11A and 11Bshow analysis models of ⅛ of a square shield and a circular shield (unit areas52A′ and62A′ for measurement shown inFIG. 6), respectively. It is possible to perform analysis with a ⅛ model when an analysis boundary is set as an object condition.FIGS. 8 and 10show conceptual diagrams of the square shield and the circular shield, respectively. Outer magnetic field drive coils as shown in the figure are created as models and magnetic fields generated by feeding an electric current to the coils are applied as outer magnetic fields.FIGS. 9A,9B,11A, and11B show fine sections, which are obtained by analyzing the square shield and the circular shield, respectively, in a state of meshes.FIGS. 9A and 11Ashow overall images andFIGS. 9B and 11Bshow the parts of magnetic shield plates in enlargement and also show positions of the magnetic shield plates52A′ and62A′.

FIGS. 12A and 12BandFIGS. 13A and 13Bshow analysis results in a sectional direction (FIGS. 12A and 13A) and a planar direction (FIGS. 12B and 13B) of the square magnetic shield plate52A′ (model1) in the cases in which magnetic fields of 7957.75 A/m (100 Oe) and 23873.24 A/m (300 Oe) are applied to the square magnetic shield plate52A′, respectively.FIGS. 12A and 13AandFIGS. 12B and 13Bshow analysis results on space surfaces around magnetic shield plates obtained by viewing cross sections and planes of the magnetic shield plates two-dimensionally, respectively. Applied magnetic field directions are indicated by arrows, and directions of magnetic fields around the magnetic shield plates according to respective magnetic field intensities [A/m] are indicated by small arrows.

It is seen fromFIGS. 12A,12B,13A, and13B that magnetic fields concentrate around the magnetic shield plates (in this model1, magnetic fields emitted from the magnetic shield plates are shown, and this magnetic field concentration state is the same in other unit areas affected by intruding magnetic fields into the magnetic shield plates: the same holds true in the following description) and, in particular, a magnetic field intensity in an facet portion perpendicular to an outer magnetic field direction indicated by A inFIG. 12Ais large. On the other hand, a magnetic field intensity value on an inner side of the magnetic shield plates (in the figure, below the magnetic shield plate) indicated by B inFIG. 12A(B is also in FIG.13A, although not shown in the figure) takes a small value. From this result, it is seen that outer magnetic fields are collected by the magnetic shield plates and shield leakage of outer magnetic fields to an inner space sandwiched by the two magnetic shield plates. It is also seen from the plane analysis result shown inFIG. 12Bthat the outer magnetic fields are also emitted to the outside of the magnetic shield plates (or intrude into the magnetic shield plates) from a facet portion parallel to an outer magnetic field direction indicated by C inFIG. 12B(C is also inFIG. 13B, although not shown in the figure) and, in particular, concentrate on a corner on a lower right side in the figure.

FIGS. 14A and 14Bshow plane analysis results of magnetization states inside the magnetic shield plates in the model1. An outer magnetic field direction is indicated by an arrow. An area indicated by light and shade indicates a magnetic flux density [T] inside the respective magnetic shield plates. It is indicated that the magnetic flux density is larger in a darker area and the magnetic flux density becomes smaller toward a lighter area (the same holds true in the following description). Note that a whitish part shown inFIG. 14Bindicates that the magnetic flux density is 1.6 T or more, that is, magnetization saturation of the magnetic shield plates occurs (i.e., the magnetic flux density has reached a saturated magnetic flux density).

It is seen fromFIGS. 14A and 14Bthat, in the model1, the magnetic shield plates start to be saturated from a center portion of a facet parallel to the outer magnetic field direction (A inFIG. 14A) as the outer magnetic field increases in size. Compared with a result according toFIG. 12B, this portion is equivalent to a portion where a magnetic field emitted from (or intruding into) a facet portion perpendicular to the outer magnetic field direction and a magnetic field emitted from (or intruding into) a facet portion parallel to the outer magnetic field direction overlap in a largest area (a portion where magnetic fluxes are densest). When a magnetic field of 23873.24 A/m (300 Oe) is applied, as shown inFIG. 14B, magnetic saturation occurs in the square magnetic shield plate. In this way, it is seen that a magnetic saturation process progresses from the center portion of the facet parallel to the outer magnetic field direction toward the center of the magnetic shield plates.

FIGS. 15A and 15BandFIGS. 16A and 16Bshow analysis results in the sectional direction (A) and the planar direction (B) of the circular magnetic shield plate62A′ (model2) in the cases in which magnetic fields of 7957.75 A/m (100 Oe) and 23873.24 A/m (300 Oe) are applied to the magnetic shield plate62A′, respectively.FIGS. 15A and 16AandFIGS. 15B and 16Bshow analysis results on space surfaces around magnetic shield plates obtained by viewing cross sections and planes of the magnetic shield plates two-dimensionally, respectively. Applied magnetic field directions are indicated by arrows, and directions of magnetic fields around the magnetic shield plates according to respective magnetic field intensities [A/m] are indicated by small arrows.

It is seen fromFIGS. 15A,15B,16A, and16B that magnetic fields concentrate around the magnetic shield plates and, in particular, a magnetic field intensity in a portion indicated by A inFIG. 15Ais large. On the other hand, a magnetic field intensity value on an inner side of the magnetic shield plates (in the figure, below the magnetic shield plates) indicated by B inFIG. 15A(B is also inFIG. 16A, although not shown in the figure) takes a small value. From this result, it is seen that outer magnetic fields are collected by the magnetic shield plates and shield leakage of outer magnetic fields to an inner space sandwiched by the two magnetic shield plates. It is also seen from the plane analysis results shown inFIGS. 15B and 16Bthat the outer magnetic fields are also emitted from the magnetic shield plates (or intrude into the magnetic shield plates) from the magnetic shield plates substantially perpendicular to facets.

Here, the magnetic field intensities in the plane analysis results inFIGS. 15A,15B,16A, and16B and the plane analysis results inFIGS. 12A,12B,13A, and13B are different. This indicates that, in two types of magnetic shield plates, that is, the square and the circular magnetic shield plates, areas and volumes of planes of the magnetic shield plates are equal but, since side areas and planar shapes thereof are different, magnetic intensities in terms of magnetic intensities in a surface direction are different and concentration states of magnetic fields are different. It is seen that an effect of the circular magnetic shield plate is more excellent.

FIGS. 17A and 17Bshow plane analysis results of magnetization states inside the magnetic shield plates in the model2. An outer magnetic field direction is indicated by an arrow. An area indicated by light and shade indicates a magnetic flux density [T] inside the respective magnetic shield plates. It is indicated that the magnetic flux density is larger in a darker area and the magnetic flux density is getting smaller toward a lighter area.

It is seen fromFIGS. 17A and 17Bthat, in the model2, the magnetic shield plates start to be saturated from a center portion of a facet parallel to the outer magnetic field direction (A inFIG. 17A) as the outer magnetic field increases in size. This is a result different from the square magnetic shield plate and indicates that a magnetic flux density at an end is dispersed uniformly by forming the magnetic shield plate in a circular shape and magnetic saturation at the end is relaxed. In addition, when a magnetic field of 23873.24 A/m (300 Oe) is applied, as shown inFIG. 17B, a portion indicating a magnetic flux density of 1.6 T or more is not observed either. Thus, it is seen that magnetic saturation does not occur in the circular magnetic shield plate.

FIGS. 18A and 18Bshow magnetic intensity distribution on an inner middle surface sandwiched by two magnetic shield plates in the cases in which magnetic fields of 7957.75 A/m (100 Oe) and 23873.24 A/m (300 Oe) are applied to the square magnetic shield plate (model1) as a magnetic field intensity with respect to a distance from a center point of the magnetic shield plates in respective directions.

Similarly,FIGS. 19A and 19Bshow magnetic intensity distribution on an inner middle surface sandwiched by two magnetic shield plates in the cases in which magnetic fields of 7957.75 A/m (100 Oe) and 23873.24 A/m (300 Oe) are applied to the circular magnetic shield plate (model2) as a magnetic field intensity with respect to a distance from a center point of the magnetic shield plates in respective directions.

It is seen fromFIGS. 18A and 19Athat, in a state in which the respective magnetic shield plates are not magnetically saturated, that is, in the case in which the outer magnetic field of 7957.75 A/m (100 Oe) is applied, magnetic intensities in centers of the magnetic shield plates are about 200 A/m and there is no great difference between the magnetic intensities. Thus, it is possible to use the magnetic shield plates as satisfactory magnetic shields. However, in the case in which the magnetic field of 23873.24 A/m (300 Oe) is applied, as shown inFIGS. 18B and 19B, whereas a magnetic intensity in the center of the square magnetic shield plate is 1702.4 A/m, a magnetic intensity in the center of the circular magnetic shield plate is 554.05 A/m. It is seen that the circular shield has a shield effect three times as high as that of the square shield. This is due to presence or absence of magnetic saturation inside the magnetic shield plates.

It is seen from the above that it is possible to improve the magnetic shield effect by adopting a shape and a structure of a magnetic shield plate that prevent magnetic lines of force from concentrating inside the magnetic shield plate, that is, prevent a magnetic flux density from being saturated taking into account an outer magnetic field direction and on the basis of the invention.

Note that, in the embodiment described above, the planar shape of the magnetic shield plate is circular. However, the same results are obtained when the magnetic shield plates of the other various shapes shown inFIGS. 2A to 2Care used. It is also understood from the above results that the magnetic shield plates of the sectional shapes shown inFIG. 3andFIGS. 4A to 4Ccan also relax magnetic saturation with respect to intrusion and emission of an outer magnetic field in a sectional direction. When a planar shape and a sectional shape are selected out of the planar shapes inFIG. 1andFIGS. 2A to 2Cand the sectional shapes inFIG. 3andFIGS. 4A to 4Cand used together, the magnetic shield effect further improves.

According to the invention, as a planar shape or/and a sectional shape of a magnetic shield, a magnetic shield shape is a shape in which angles formed by sides on an intrusion side and an emission side of an outer magnetic field and sides adjacent to the sides are obtuse angles, respectively, an m-sided polygon (m is an integer satisfying the condition m≧4) in which angles formed by the sides and the adjacent sides assume an outward curved line shape, or a shape in which a continuous surface over an entire area the magnetic shield and at least an intrusion side and an emission side of an outer magnetic field of outer peripheral sides thereof form an outward curved line shape. Thus, the sides and the adjacent sides of the magnetic shield on the intrusion side and the emission side of the outer magnetic field do not perpendicular to each other (or substantially perpendicular to each other), and it is possible to reduce concentration of magnetic fields, which intrude or are emitted from both the sides, in the magnetic shield. Consequently, it is possible to relax magnetic saturation and hold the magnetic shield effect sufficiently.