Patent Description:
The magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) is an enabler for non-volatile memories, e.g. the magnetoresistive random-access memory (MRAM). An MTJ may be switched between two resistance states (e.g. a higher and a lower resistance state) by inducing free layer magnetization reversal. More specifically, the orientation of the free layer magnetization is switched relative to a (fixed) reference layer magnetization, e.g. to be oriented along (a "parallel" state, P) or against the reference layer magnetization (an "anti-parallel" state, AP). By associating either resistive/magnetic state of the MTJ with a respective logic (e.g. "<NUM>" and "<NUM>") data may accordingly be written to and read from the MTJ.

Current MTJ technology typically relies on spin-transfer-torque (STT) for writing the MTJ ("STT-MTJ"). However alternative techniques are being developed, such as writing the MTJ though spin-orbit-torque (SOT) induced switching of the MTJ ("SOT-MTJ").

In STT-based switching, the state is switched by passing an "STT-switching current" in an out-of-plane direction (e.g. bottom-up or top-down) through the MTJ layer stack. In SOT-based switching, the magnetization state is switched by passing an "SOT-switching current" in an in-plane direction through an SOT-layer arranged above or below the MTJ layer stack. The SOT-layer may be laterally extended outside the footprint of the MTJ layer stack to form a pair of contact portions at mutually opposite sides thereof. The SOT-switching current may thereby be conducted in-plane through the SOT-layer, between a pair of electrodes arranged in contact with the respective contact portions of the SOT-layer.

An SOT-MTJ memory cell may enable faster writing operations than STT-MTJs. On the other hand, an STT-MTJ memory cell may allow for higher memory densities than SOT-MTJs, due to the increased footprint of the SOT-layer relative to the MTJ layer stack. It would however be desirable to provide an MTJ-based memory cell enabling fast writing as well as a high memory density.

MRAM devices comprising MTJs are disclosed in <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

<CIT> describes a magnetic memory including a first spin-orbital-transfer-spin-torque-transfer (SOT-STT) hybrid magnetic device disposed over a substrate, a second SOT-STT hybrid magnetic device disposed over the substrate, and a SOT conductive layer connected to the first and second SOT devices. Each of the first and second SOT-STT hybrid magnetic devices includes a first magnetic layer, as a magnetic free layer, a spacer layer disposed under the first magnetic layer, and a second magnetic layer, as a magnetic reference layer, disposed under the spacer layer. The SOT conductive layer is disposed over the first magnetic layer of each of the first and second SOT-STT hybrid magnetic devices.

<CIT> describes a high-density magnetic memory device which includes: a heavy metal strip or an antiferromagnet strip with a thickness of <NUM>-<NUM>, and a plurality of magnetic tunnel junctions manufactured thereon, wherein each of the magnetic tunnel junctions represents a memory bit.

An objective of the present inventive concept is to an MTJ-based memory cell of an improved design, enabling both fast writing and a high memory density. Further and alternative objectives may be understood from the following.

There is provided a memory cell. The memory cell comprises a first and a second electrode. The memory cell further comprises an SOT layer comprising a first electrode contact portion and a second electrode contact portion arranged in contact with, i.e. in abutment with, and above the first electrode and the second electrode, respectively, and further comprising an intermediate portion between the first electrode contact portion and the second electrode contact portion. The memery cell further comprises a first MTJ layer stack arranged in contact with
and above the intermediate portion. The memory cell further comprises a second MTJ layer stack arranged in contact with the second electrode contact portion and directly above the second electrode.

The memory cell comprises further a third MTJ layer stack arranged in contact with and above the first electrode contact portion and arranged directly above the first electrode.

According to the inventive memory cell, the space needed for the lateral extension of the second electrode contact portion, is put to use by accommodating a second MTJ layer stack. Hence, the second MTJ layer stack may be arranged beside the first MTJ layer stack, in contact with the first or second electrode contract portion of the SOT-layer. This enables a doubling of the memory density compared to a memory cell comprising a single MTJ layer stack.

The first MTJ layer stack is arranged in contact with the intermediate portion of the SOT-layer, between the first and second electrode contact portions. This enables SOT-based switching of the first MTJ layer stack. The second MTJ layer stack is arranged in contact with the first or second electrode contact portion, which in turn is arranged in contact with the first or second electrode. Although the location of the second MTJ layer stack along the SOT layer may represent a sub-optimal location for SOT-based switching, STT-based switching may be used for the second MTJ layer stack.

Accordingly, the first MTJ layer stack may be configured to be switchable between two resistance states by applying an SOT switching current to the SOT layer. Meanwhile, the second MTJ layer stack may be configured to be switchable between two resistance states by applying an STT switching current to the second MTJ layer stack.

A hybrid SOT-STT memory cell may hence be provided, combining the advantages of an SOT-MTJ and an STT-MTJ in a same memory cell. SOT-based switching of the first MTJ layer stack may be to support higher speed/higher frequency data writing, while STT-based switching of the second MTJ layer stack may be used to support lower speed/lower frequency data writing.

Due to the different switching mechanisms and locations of the MTJ layer stacks along the SOT-layer, the memory cell enables individual switching/writing of the first and second MTJ layer stacks.

The risk for an STT switching current causing switching of the free layer of the first MTJ layer stack (e.g. if passing in-plane through the intermediate portion SOT layer) is further mitigated by the fact that the current (density) threshold for causing SOT-based switching of an MTJ typically is greater than a corresponding threshold for STT-based switching of the MTJ. Accordingly, the first and second MTJ layer stacks may be configured such that the current (density) threshold for causing SOT-based switching of the first MTJ layer stack exceeds the current (density) threshold for causing STT-based switching of the second MTJ layer stack.

By MTJ layer stack is hereby meant a layer stack comprising an MTJ. An MTJ may comprise a pair of ferromagnetic layers separated by a tunnel barrier layer, thus forming an MTJ. One of the two ferromagnetic layers is configured as the reference or pinned layer with a magnetization with a fixed orientation. The other one of the two ferromagnetic layers is configured as the free layer and has a magnetization which may be varied between two different orientations, along the orientation of the reference layer magnetization (the parallel P state) or against the orientation of the reference layer magnetization (the anti-parallel AP state). The P state may be associated with a low(er) resistance state and the AP state may be associated with a high(er) resistance state wherein the MTJ layer stack (i.e. the MTJ of the MTJ layer stack) may be switched between two resistance states, in other words between two different magnetization states providing a low(er) resistance and a high(er) resistance, respectively.

The MTJ layer stack may further comprise a pinning layer configured to pin the magnetization of the reference layer of the MTJ layer stack. A pinning layer may be a hard-magnetic layer having a high (magnetic) coercivity. The pinning layer may exert a pinning effect on the reference layer such that the magnetization reversal field of the reference layer is increased compared to the free layer of the MTJ layer stack.

By SOT layer (or synonymously "SOT-generating layer") is hereby meant a layer configured to, in response to an SOT switching current, inject a spin current into a free layer adjacent the SOT layer (e.g. the free layer of the first MTJ layer stack), the spin current inducing magnetization reversal in the free layer through SOT. An SOT-layer may be arranged in contact with the adjacent free layer. An SOT-layer may be configured to conduct a current within the plane of extension of the SOT-layer (i.e. the SOT switching current is an in-plane current), and consequently along the associated free layer.

The MTJ layer stacks may be formed/shaped as respective (vertical) pillars, e.g. through patterning.

The SOT layer may be formed as a line, i.e. elongated as seen along a direction between the first and second electrode portions.

According to embodiments, the first and second MTJ layer stacks may be top-pinned.

By a top-pinned MTJ layer stack (or equivalently a top-pinned MTJ of an MTJ layer stack) is hereby meant that the reference layer of the MTJ layer stack is arranged above the free layer of the MTJ layer stack as viewed along a bottom-up-direction of the MTJ layer stack.

The first and second electrodes may accordingly define bottom electrodes of the memory cell.

An MTJ layer stack may as mentioned above comprise a pinning layer. In a top-pinned MTJ layer stack the pinning layer is arranged above the reference layer.

The memory cell of the invention further comprise the third MTJ layer stack arranged in contact with the first electrode contact portion and directly above the first electrode, wherein the second MTJ layer stack is arranged in contact with the other one of the first or the second electrode contact portion.

Thereby, also the spaces needed for the lateral extension of both the first and second electrode contact portion may be used to accommodate a respective MTJ layer stack. In an example not covered by the claims, the third and second MTJ layer stack may be arranged on opposite sides of the first MTJ layer stack, in contact with the respective electrode contract portions of the SOT-layer. This enables a further <NUM>% increase of the memory density compared to a memory cell comprising a two MTJ layer stack.

The third MTJ layer stack may be identical to the second MTJ layer stack.

The third MTJ layer stack may as discussed in connection with the second MTJ layer stack be suitable for STT-based switching.

Accordingly, the third MTJ layer stack may be configured to be switchable between two resistance states by applying an STT switching current to the third MTJ layer stack.

There is provided a memory device comprising the memory cell described above, or any of the afore-mentioned embodiments or variations thereof. The memory device may be configured to:.

The respective resistance states of the first and the second MTJ layer stack (e.g. lower and higher resistance states) may each be associated with a high or low logic state (e.g. "<NUM>" and "<NUM>"). A logic state may hence be independently written to the first MTJ layer stack and the second MTJ layer stack.

The memory device may further be configured to: read a logic state from the first MTJ layer stack by sensing a resistance state of the first MTJ layer stack; and read a logic state from the second MTJ layer stack by sensing a resistance state of the second MTJ layer stack. As the MTJ layer stacks are arranged in a side-by-side fashion the resistance states of the MTJ layer stacks may be individually sensed.

According to embodiments, the memory device may further comprise a first through fourth bitline, and the memory cell may further comprise a third and a fourth electrode. The first MTJ layer stack may be arranged between the third electrode and the SOT layer (i.e. the intermediate portion thereof) and the second MTJ layer stack may be arranged between the fourth electrode and the SOT layer (i.e. the first or second electrode contact portions thereof).

The first electrode may be switchably connected to the first bitline. The second electrode may be switchably or fixedly connected to the second bitline. The third electrode may be switchably connected to the third bitline. The fourth electrode may be switchably connected to the fourth bitline.

The memory device may be configured such that:.

While conducting the STT switching current is possible between the third electrode and either the first or second electrode, it may be beneficial to conduct the STT switching current the shortest distance possible, as this may reduce heat and current leakage. Accordingly, the second MTJ layer stack is arranged in contact with the second electrode contact portion wherein the second electrode may be connected to the second bitline (wherein the STT switching current may be conducted between the fourth bitline and the second bitline). Alternatively, in an example not covered by the claim, the second MTJ layer stack may be arranged in contact with the first electrode contact portion wherein the first electrode may be configured to be connected to the first bitline (wherein the STT switching current may be conducted between the fourth bitline and the first bitline).

The third electrode may either be configured to be disconnected from the third bitline when writing to the first MTJ layer stack. Current between the SOT layer and the third bitline, via the first MTJ layer stack, may thereby be avoided.

The third electrode may also be configured to be connected to the third bitline when writing to the first MTJ layer stack, such that the SOT switching current conducted between the first and second bitline is supplemented by an STT switching current conducted between the third bitline and either of the first and second bitline. This enables STT-assisted SOT-switching of the first MTJ layer stack. Such an STT-assisted writing may enable a faster and more accurate writing to the first MTJ layer stack.

The memory device may be configured such that, when reading from the first MTJ layer stack, the third electrode is connected to the third bitline the first or second electrode is connected to the respective first or second bitline. The memory device may be configured to sense the resistance state of the first MTJ layer stack via the third bitline and the first or second bitline.

The memory device may be configured such that, when reading from the second MTJ layer stack, the fourth electrode is connected to the fourth bitline and the first or second electrode is connected to the respective first or second bitline. The memory device may be configured to sense the resistance state of the second MTJ layer stack via the fourth bitline and the first or second bitline.

The memory device may be configured to write a logic state to the third MTJ layer stack by supplying an STT switching current through the third MTJ layer stack such that a resistance state of the third MTJ layer stack is switched. The memory device may be further configured to read a logic state from the third MTJ layer stack by sensing a resistance state of the third MTJ layer stack.

The memory cell may further comprise a fifth electrode, wherein the third MTJ layer stack is arranged between the fifth electrode and the SOT layer. The memory device may further comprise a fifth bitline, the fifth electrode being switchably connected to the fifth bitline.

The memory device may alternatively be configured such that:.

A differential STT-writing operation by means of a common STT-switching current passing sequentially through the second and third MTJ layer stacks may hence be provided.

There is provided a method for writing to a memory cell, the memory cell comprising:.

The discussion in connection with the memory cell and memory device, and the embodiments and variations thereof is equally applicable to the method.

The method may further comprise: reading a logic state from the first MTJ layer stack by sensing a resistance state of the first MTJ layer stack; and reading a logic state from the second MTJ layer stack by sensing a resistance state of the second MTJ layer stack.

According to embodiments the memory cell may be of, i.e. forms part of, a memory device. The memory device may comprise a first through fourth bitline, and the memory cell may further comprise a third and a fourth electrode, wherein the first MTJ layer stack is arranged between the third electrode and the SOT layer and the second MTJ layer stack is arranged between the fourth electrode and the SOT layer. The first electrode may be switchably connected to the first bitline, the second electrode may be switchably or fixedly connected to the second bitline, the third electrode may be switchably connected to the third bitline and the fourth electrode may be switchably connected to the fourth bitline.

When writing to the first MTJ layer stack, the fourth electrode may be disconnected from the fourth bitline, and the first and the second electrode may be connected to the first and second bitline, respectively, such that the SOT switching current is conducted between the first and second bitline.

When writing to the second MTJ layer stack, the third electrode may be disconnected from the third bitline, the fourth electrode may be connected to the fourth bitline, and the first or second electrode may be connected to the respective first or second bitline, such that the STT switching current is conducted between the fourth bitline and the first or second bitline.

In other words, the method may comprise, when writing to the first MTJ layer stack, disconnecting the fourth electrode from the fourth bitline, and connecting the first electrode to the first bitline (in case the second electrode is fixedly connected to the second bitline), or connecting the first electrode to the first bitline and the second electrode to the second bitline (in case the second electrode is switchably connected to the second bitline).

The method may comprise, when writing to the second MTJ layer stack, disconnecting the third electrode from the third bitline, connecting the fourth electrode to the fourth bitline, and disconnecting the first electrode from the first bitline (in case the second electrode is fixedly connected to the second bitline), or connecting one of the first electrode and the second electrode to the first and the second bitline, respectively (in case the second electrode is switchably connected to the second bitline).

When writing to the first MTJ layer stack, the third electrode may be connected to the third bitline, such that the SOT switching current conducted between the first and second bitline is supplemented by an STT switching current conducted between the third bitline and either of the first and second bitline.

When reading from the first MTJ layer stack, the third electrode may be connected to the third bitline and the first or second electrode may be connected to the respective first or second bitline, wherein the method may comprise sensing the resistance state of the first MTJ layer stack via the third bitline and the first or second bitline.

When reading from the second MTJ layer stack, the fourth electrode may be connected to the fourth bitline and the first or second electrode may be connected to the respective first or second bitline, wherein the method may comprise sensing the resistance state of the second MTJ layer stack via the fourth bitline and the first or second bitline.

The memory cell may further comprise:
a fifth electrode, wherein the third MTJ layer stack is arranged between the fifth electrode and the SOT layer.

The memory device may further comprise a fifth bitline, the fifth electrode being switchably connected to the fifth bitline, wherein.

Alternatively, the method may comprise simultaneously writing to the second and third MTJ layer stacks, comprising:.

Thereby, an STT switching current may be conducted between the fourth and fifth bitlines to write complementary logic states to the second and third MTJ layer stacks.

<FIG> is a schematic view of a memory cell <NUM>. The illustrated memory cell serves as an example useful for understanding the invention. The example not being covered by the claims. The memory cell <NUM> comprises a first electrode <NUM> and a second electrode <NUM>. The memory cell <NUM> also comprises a spin-orbit-torque, SOT, layer <NUM> arranged over the first and second electrodes <NUM>, <NUM>. The dashed lines indicate different interconnection levels.

The SOT layer <NUM> comprises a first electrode contact portion <NUM> arranged in contact with the first electrode <NUM>, a second electrode contact portion <NUM> arranged in contact with the second electrode <NUM> and an intermediate portion <NUM> between the first and second electrode contact portions <NUM>, <NUM>.

The memory cell <NUM> further comprises a first magnetic tunnel junction, MTJ, layer stack <NUM> arranged over the SOT layer <NUM> and in contact with the intermediate portion <NUM>. The memory cell <NUM> furthermore comprises a second MTJ layer stack <NUM> arranged over the SOT layer <NUM> and in contact with the second electrode contact portion <NUM>.

While the second MTJ layer stack <NUM> is shown to be arranged in contact with the second electrode contact portion <NUM>, the second MTJ layer stack <NUM> may instead be arranged in contact with the first electrode contact portion <NUM> in all of the examples shown. This would in effect result in mirrored versions of <FIG>.

The first electrode <NUM> and second electrode <NUM> are arranged over a first contact <NUM> and a second contact <NUM>, respectively, in a separate interconnection level. The first and second contacts <NUM>, <NUM> allow for control circuitry to be connected to the memory cell <NUM> as will be further discussed in relation to <FIG>. The first and second contacts <NUM>, <NUM> may be metal lines, for instance forming bitlines for the memory cell <NUM>.

A third electrode <NUM> is arranged over the first MTJ layer structure <NUM> and a fourth electrode <NUM> is arranged over the first MTJ layer structure <NUM>. The third and fourth electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> allow for control circuitry to be connected to the memory cell <NUM> as will be further discussed in relation to <FIG>.

The first and second MTJ layer stacks <NUM>, <NUM> each comprises a free layer <NUM>, a reference layer <NUM> and a tunnel barrier layer <NUM> arranged between the free layer <NUM> and the reference layer <NUM>. The magnetization direction of the reference layer <NUM> is pinned by a hard-magnetic pinning layer arranged above the reference layer <NUM>, in other words the first and second MTJ layer stacks <NUM>, <NUM> are top-pinned. The magnetization direction of the free layer <NUM> is switchable, which corresponds to switching a resistance state of the MTJ layer stack comprising the free layer <NUM>.

The free layer <NUM> and the reference layer <NUM> of the first and second MTJ layer stacks <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed from a ferromagnetic material, such as Fe, Co, FeB, CoB, CoFe, CoFeB, WCoFeB, TaCoFeB or combinations of these materials, to present a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy or an in-plane magnetic anisotropy.

The tunnel barrier layer <NUM> of the first and second MTJ layer stacks <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed from a dielectric material, such as MgO, AlOx, MgAlOx, MgZnO, or MgTiOx.

The pinning layer (not shown) of the first and second MTJ layer stacks <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed from a material with high (magnetic) coercivity, such as a laminate (i.e. a "superlattice") of [Co/Pt], [Co/Pd] or [Co/Ni] bilayers, repeated a number of times, such as <NUM>-<NUM>. Other possible compositions of the pinning layer include a Co-layer, an Fe-layer or a CoFe-layer or a laminate of a [Fe/X] or [CoFe/X], repeated a number of times, where X denotes Pt, Pd, Ni, Tb or Gd.

Although <FIG> shows MTJ layer stacks with a single tunnel barrier configuration, the first and second MTJ layer stacks <NUM>, <NUM> may also include a dual- or multi-tunnel barrier layer configuration. A dual- or multi-tunnel barrier layer configuration may include two or more stacks of free <NUM> and tunnel barrier layers <NUM>.

The first and second MTJ layer stacks <NUM>, <NUM> may further comprise a spacer layer between the SOT layer <NUM> and the free layer <NUM> that acts as a diffusion blocker. The spacer layer may comprise complex materials, such as a topological insulator, and may be formed by Ru, Ti, Hf, Mo, Mg, Al, W, Pt or Ta.

The the first and second MTJ layer stacks <NUM>, <NUM> may be patterned into pillars, e.g. using ion beam etching, reactive ion etching or a combination of both.

As will be further described herein, the first MTJ layer stack <NUM> is configured to be switchable between two resistance states by applying an SOT switching current to the SOT layer <NUM>, optionally supplemented by an STT switching current conducted through the first MTJ layer stack <NUM>. The second MTJ layer stack <NUM> is configured to be switchable between two resistance states by conducting an STT switching current through the second MTJ layer stack <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a memory cell <NUM> and circuitry of a memory device comprising the memory cell <NUM>. The illustrated memory cell and memory device serve as an example useful for understanding the invention. The example not being covered by the claims. The memory device comprises a first through fourth bitline (marked as WBL, WBLB, BL_SOT, BL_STT respectively in <FIG>). Each of the bitlines is switchably or fixedly connected to a respective first through fourth electrode <NUM>-<NUM>. WBL and WBLB may for example correspond respectively to metal lines/bitlines <NUM> and <NUM> of <FIG>. The first electrode <NUM> may be switchably connected to WBL and the second electrode <NUM> is connected to WBLB. The third electrode <NUM> may be switchably connected to BL_SOT and the fourth electrode <NUM> may be switchably connected to BL_STT.

The memory device further comprises a plurality of switches arranged between the first, third and fourth electrodes and the first, third and fourth bitline, respectively, in order to switchably connect the electrodes to their respective bitline. These switches are shown as transistors in <FIG> and may e.g. be silicon field-effect transistors (Si-FET). The memory device may also comprise a switch arranged between the second electrode and the second bitline and may use bidirectional selectors such as an ovonic threshold switch diode (OTS diode) or a metal-semiconductor-metal diode (MSM diode), as switches in addition to or instead of transistors.

The three switches of <FIG> are shown as being controlled by two separate wordlines, WL and WL_STT. A high logic level voltage VDD or a low logic level voltage VSS may be selectively applied to the wordlines, to connect or disconnect their respective associated electrode(s) to or from their respective bitline. The switches connected to the first <NUM> and third <NUM> electrodes are controlled in unison in the example shown (i.e. via wordline WL), however other examples where these switches are separately controlled are also possible.

Accordingly, when writing to and reading from each MTJ layer stack <NUM>, <NUM>, the voltages of each bitline and each switch are controlled to direct an SOT switching current, an STT switching current and potentially a read current as requested. An example of such a control scheme is provided in Table I.

In the example of Table I and in the following, "VDD" means a high logic level voltage, "VSS" means a low logic level voltage. The terms high logic level voltage and low logic level voltage may hereby be understood as two voltage levels or states representing a binary one "<NUM>" and a binary zero "<NUM>", respectively. Furthermore in Table <NUM>, "Vread" is a read voltage, "VSS/VDD," "VDD/VSS," "VSS/Vread" and "Vread/VSS" means that either voltage is possible and if one is chosen, all other choices in the same column adheres to the same side of the "/", "Float" means that the relevant bitline is not connected to their respective supply voltage and "Optional" means that the voltage applied may be VSS or VDD, or "Float", depending on the example as will be further described below.

In the following disclosure, it is considered implicit that the actual levels of VSS and VDD are such that, when applied according to the example in Table I, they give rise to respective SOT- or STT-switching current densities exceeding the respective SOT- or STT-switching thresholds of the respective MTJ layer stacks <NUM>, <NUM>.

Moreover, although Table I indicates that the same respective high and low logic level voltages are applied to the respective terminals, it should be understood that in the following, different voltage levels may be applied to different terminals and during different operations.

According to the example of Table I, when writing to the first MTJ layer stack <NUM>, the fourth electrode <NUM> is configured to be disconnected from the fourth bitline, and the first <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM> are configured to be connected to the first and second bitline, respectively. Thereby, one of the first <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM> is supplied with VDD and the other is supplied with VSS, which allows the SOT switching current to be conducted between the first and second bitline, via the SOT layer <NUM>.

Further, because the first and third electrode/bitline connections are configured to be switchably connected in unison in this example, when writing to the first MTJ layer stack <NUM>, the third electrode <NUM> is connected to the third bitline at least because the first electrode <NUM> is connected to the first bitline.

The third bitline BL_SOT may optionally be provided with VSS or VDD. If VDD is applied to the third bitline, the SOT switching current conducted between the first WBL and second bitline WBLB is assisted by an STT assist current from the third bitline to the one of the first and second bitline that is supplied with VSS. Alternatively, if VSS is applied to the third bitline, the SOT switching current conducted between the first and second bitline is assisted by an STT assist current from the one of the first and second bitline that is supplied with VDD to the third bitline. If the third bitline voltage is floating, the SOT switching current conducted between the first and second bitline will not be assisted by an STT assist current.

Additionally, when writing to the second MTJ layer stack <NUM>, the first <NUM> and third electrodes <NUM> are configured to be disconnected from the first and third bitline, respectively, and the fourth electrode <NUM> is configured to be connected to the fourth bitline. Furthermore, in the illustrated example the second electrode <NUM> is configured to always be connected to the second bitline. Accordingly, one of the second <NUM> and the fourth <NUM> electrode may be supplied with VDD and the other with VSS, which allows the STT switching current to be conducted between the fourth bitline and the second bitline.

In an alternative example, the first <NUM>, second <NUM> and fourth <NUM> electrode are configured to be connected to the first, second and fourth bitline, respectively, such that either both the first <NUM> and second <NUM> electrodes or the fourth <NUM> electrode is supplied with VDD and the other electrode(s) is/are supplied with VSS, which allows the STT switching current to be conducted between the fourth bitline and both the first and second bitline.

A current may be conducted through the SOT layer <NUM> from the fourth bitline to the first bitline, however, this current may not have a high enough current density to cause SOT switching in the first MTJ layer stack <NUM>. This is because the SOT switching threshold may be much higher than the STT switching threshold, e.g. by a factor of <NUM> or <NUM>. Furthermore, despite possibly applying similar voltages to the respective bitlines as when writing to the first MTJ layer stack <NUM>, the SOT threshold may only be reached in the case of conducting the current only through the SOT-layer <NUM> as a current loss may occur due to the resistance of the second MTJ layer stack <NUM>.

According to the example of Table I, when reading from the first MTJ layer stack <NUM>, the fourth electrode <NUM> is configured to be disconnected from the fourth bitline, the first <NUM> and third <NUM> electrode is configured to be connected to the first and third bitline, respectively (as they are configured to be switchably connected in unison in the example of <FIG>), and the second electrode <NUM> is configured to always be connected to the second bitline in the example of <FIG>.

In the example of <FIG>, the third electrode <NUM> is supplied with a read voltage and the first <NUM> and second <NUM> electrode is supplied with VSS, which allows the memory device to sense the resistance state of the first MTJ layer stack <NUM>, e.g. with a read current conducted between the third bitline and either or both of the first bitline and the second bitline. This may cause a transistor between the third bitline and third electrode <NUM> to be in source degeneration mode during reading, which may cause relatively slower reading speeds.

In an alternative example, the first electrode <NUM> and third electrode <NUM> are individually switchably controllable to be connected to their respective bitlines. In this case, the first bitline is floating, the third electrode <NUM> is supplied with VSS and the second electrode <NUM> is supplied with a read voltage. This which allows the memory device to sense the resistance state of the first MTJ layer stack <NUM>, e.g. with a read current conducted between the third bitline and the second bitline. This may have a relatively fast reading speed compared to the example of <FIG> but requires more advanced wordline connections.

Additionally, when reading from the second MTJ layer stack <NUM>, the first <NUM> and third <NUM> electrode is configured to be disconnected from the first and third bitline, respectively. Further, the fourth electrode <NUM> is configured to be connected to the fourth bitline and in the illustrated example, the second electrode <NUM> is configured to always be connected to the second bitline.

The fourth electrode <NUM> may be supplied with a read voltage and the second electrode may be supplied with VSS. This allows the memory device to sense the resistance state of the second MTJ layer stack <NUM>. For example, by conducting a read current between the fourth bitline and the second bitline. A transistor between the third bitline and third electrode <NUM> may in this case operate a in source degeneration mode during reading. This may reduce a read speed.

Alternatively, the fourth electrode <NUM> may be supplied with VSS and the second electrode may be supplied with a read voltage. This allows the memory device to sense the resistance state of the second MTJ layer stack <NUM>. For example, by a read current conducted between the fourth bitline and the second bitline. This may result in an increased read speed.

In order to write to the first MTJ layer stack <NUM>, an SOT switching current is conducted between the first <NUM> and second <NUM> electrodes through the SOT layer <NUM>. Accordingly, the first <NUM> and second <NUM> electrodes are separated to ensure that the SOT switching current runs along the SOT layer <NUM> past the first MTJ layer stack <NUM>. Such a separation may lead to wasted space in the area above the first and second electrodes <NUM>, <NUM>.

By arranging a second MTJ layer stack <NUM> above the second electrode <NUM> according to this disclosure, this otherwise wasted space may be utilized. As this second MTJ layer stack <NUM> is arranged directly above an electrode, it may not be controlled using SOT switching, but may instead be configured to be controlled using STT switching.

In the above, an example is disclosed with top-pinned MTJ layer stacks, the first and third electrode/bitline being controlled in unison and a second electrode <NUM> fixedly connected to the second bitline. A skilled person, being guided by the present disclosure, may realize that alternative example are possible.

For example, the MTJ layer stacks may instead be bottom-pinned, which will also affect the control scheme. Also, the first <NUM>, second <NUM> and third <NUM> electrode may be individually and switchably connected to the first, second and third bitline, respectively.

In order to further make efficient use of space to create an optimized memory cell <NUM>, the memory cell <NUM> further comprises a third MTJ layer stack <NUM> arranged in contact with the first electrode contact portion <NUM> of the SOT layer <NUM>. <FIG> shows such a memory cell <NUM>, according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the dashed lines indicate different interconnection levels.

The third MTJ layer stack <NUM> is configured to be switchable between two resistance states by applying an STT switching current to the third MTJ layer stack <NUM>.

A memory device comprising the memory cell <NUM> further comprises a fifth electrode <NUM>, wherein the third MTJ layer stack <NUM> is arranged between the fifth electrode <NUM> and the first electrode contact portion <NUM>; and a fifth bitline, the fifth electrode <NUM> being switchably connected to the fifth bitline.

<FIG> shows a memory cell <NUM> and circuitry of the memory device comprising the memory cell <NUM>. The first through fifth bitlines are marked as WBL, WBLB, BL_SOT, BL_STT_1 and BL_STT_0 respectively in <FIG>. Each of the bitlines is switchably or fixedly connected to a respective first through fifth electrode <NUM>-<NUM>. WBL and WBLB may for example correspond respectively to metal lines/bitlines <NUM> and <NUM> of <FIG>. The first electrode <NUM> may be switchably connected to WBL and the second electrode <NUM> is connected to WBLB. The third electrode <NUM> may be switchably connected to BL_SOT, the fourth electrode <NUM> may be switchably connected to BL_STT_0 and the fifth electrode <NUM> may be switchably connected to BL_STT_1.

The memory device further comprises a plurality of switches arranged between the first <NUM>, third <NUM>, fourth <NUM> and fifth <NUM> electrodes and the first, third, fourth and fifth bitline, respectively, in order to switchably connect the electrodes to their respective bitline. These switches are shown as transistors in <FIG> and may e.g. be Si-FET. In alternative embodiments, the memory device may also comprise a switch arranged between the second electrode <NUM> and the second bitline and may e.g. use OTS diodes or MSM diodes as switches in addition to or instead of transistors.

The four switches of <FIG> are shown as being controlled by two separate wordlines, WL and WL_STT. A high logic level voltage VDD or a low logic level voltage VSS may be selectively applied to the wordlines, to connect or disconnect their respective associated electrodes to or from their respective bitline. The switches connected to the first <NUM> and third <NUM> electrodes are controlled in unison (i.e. via wordline WL) and the switches connected to the fourth <NUM> and fifth <NUM> electrodes are controlled in unison (i.e. via wordline WL_STT) in the embodiment shown, however other embodiments where these electrodes are separately controlled are also possible.

In the example of Table II, the STT (right) columns relate to writing to and reading from the second MTJ layer stack <NUM>. For controlling the third MTJ layer stack <NUM> instead, the controls of the BL_STT_0 and BL_STT_1 rows may be switched. The STT (both) columns relate to reading from and writing to both the second and third layer stacks <NUM>, <NUM> at the same time.

According to the example of Table II, when writing to the second and third MTJ layer stack <NUM>, <NUM>, the first <NUM> and third <NUM> electrode is configured to be disconnected from the first and third bitline, respectively, the fourth <NUM> and fifth <NUM> electrode is configured to be connected to the fourth and fifth bitline, respectively. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment the second electrode <NUM> is configured to always be connected to the second bitline. Accordingly, the fourth <NUM> and fifth <NUM> electrode are supplied with VSS or VDD and the second electrode <NUM> is supplied with VDD or VSS, respectively, which allows an STT switching current to be conducted between the fourth bitline and the second bitline and between the fifth bitline and the second bitline.

According to the example of Table II, when reading from the second and third MTJ layer stacks <NUM>, <NUM>, the first <NUM> and third <NUM> electrode is configured to be disconnected from the first and third bitline, respectively, the fourth <NUM> and fifth <NUM> electrode is configured to be connected to the fourth and fifth bitline, respectively. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment the second electrode <NUM> is configured to always be connected to the second bitline Accordingly, the fourth <NUM> and fifth <NUM> electrode are supplied with a read voltage and the second electrode <NUM> is supplied with VSS, which allows the memory device to sense the resistance state of the second and third MTJ layer stack <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, with a read current conducted between the fourth and the second bitline and between the fifth bitline and the second bitline.

This may cause the transistor between the fourth and fifth bitline and the fourth <NUM> and fifth <NUM> electrode to be in source degeneration mode during reading, which in turn may reduce read speed.

According to an example, the fourth electrode <NUM> and fifth electrode <NUM> are individually switchably controllable to be connected to their respective bitlines. Thereby, when reading from the second and third MTJ layer stacks <NUM>, <NUM>, the first <NUM> and third <NUM> electrode are configured to be disconnected from the first and third bitline, respectively, and the fourth <NUM> or fifth <NUM> electrode is configured to be connected to the fourth or fifth bitline, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the second electrode <NUM> is configured to always be connected to the second bitline. Accordingly, the fourth <NUM> or fifth <NUM> electrode is supplied with VSS and the second electrode is supplied with a read voltage, which allows the memory device to sense the resistance state of the second and third MTJ layer stack <NUM>, <NUM>. For example with a read current conducted between the fourth and the second bitline and between the fifth bitline and the second bitline.

This may avoid causing the transistor between the fourth and fifth bitline and the fourth <NUM> and fifth <NUM> electrode to be in source degeneration mode during reading, which may increase read speed, but requires more advanced wordline connections.

In the example of Table III, the STT (diff) columns relate to writing complementary logic states to and reading from the second and third MTJ layer stacks <NUM>, <NUM>. In this embodiment, the memory device comprises a switch arranged between the second electrode <NUM> and the second bitline, which disconnects the second electrode <NUM> from the second bitline during the writing operation.

According to the example of Table III, when writing complementary logic states to the both second and third MTJ layer stack <NUM>, <NUM> at once, the first <NUM>, second <NUM> and third <NUM> electrode is configured to be disconnected from the first, second and third bitline, respectively. Further, the fourth <NUM> and fifth <NUM> electrode is configured to be connected to the fourth and fifth bitline, respectively, such that one of the fourth and fifth electrode is supplied with VSS and the other of the fourth <NUM> and fifth <NUM> electrode is supplied with VDD. This allows an STT switching current to be conducted between the fourth and fifth bitline through the SOT-layer <NUM>. As a result, the STT switching current is conducted in different directions through each of the second and third MTJ layer stack <NUM>, <NUM>, which causes the free layer <NUM> of each of the second and third MTJ layer stack <NUM>, <NUM> to have different resistance states.

VSS and VDD may be chosen such that, when applied according to the example in Table III, they give rise to STT switching current densities exceeding the STT switching thresholds of the respective second and third MTJ layer stacks <NUM>, <NUM> without giving rise to an SOT switching current density exceeding the SOT switching threshold of the first MTJ layer stack <NUM> as the current is conducted through the SOT-layer <NUM>. This may be achieved as the SOT switching threshold may be much higher than the STT switching threshold, e.g. by a factor of <NUM> or <NUM>. Furthermore, a current loss may occur due to the resistance of the second and/or third MTJ layer stack <NUM>, <NUM>.

According to the example of Table III, when reading from the second and third MTJ layer stacks <NUM>, <NUM>, the same control scheme may be used as when reading from both states as in Table II. Furthermore, if it is known that each of the second and third MTJ layer stacks <NUM>, <NUM>, store complementary resistance states, only one of the states need to be read in order to know both states.

<FIG> shows a memory device <NUM> comprising a plurality of memory cells <NUM>, <NUM> as previously disclosed. The memory device <NUM> is configured to write a logic state to the first MTJ layer stack of a memory cell <NUM>, <NUM> by supplying an SOT switching current between the first and second electrodes and through the SOT layer such that a resistance state of the first MTJ layer stack is switched. The memory device <NUM> is further configured to write a logic state to the second and/or third MTJ layer stack of a memory cell <NUM>, <NUM> by supplying an STT switching current through the second and/or third MTJ layer stack such that a resistance state of the second and/or third MTJ layer stack is switched.

The memory device <NUM> is also configured to read a logic state from the first MTJ layer stack of a memory cell <NUM>, <NUM> by sensing a resistance state of the first MTJ layer stack; and read a logic state from the second and/or third MTJ layer stack of a memory cell <NUM>, <NUM> by sensing a resistance state of the second and/or third MTJ layer stack.

The memory device <NUM> comprises circuitry <NUM> such as vias, bitlines and write lines to control the writing to and reading from each memory cell <NUM>, <NUM> of the plurality of memory cells <NUM>, <NUM>.

The circuitry <NUM> of the memory device <NUM> further comprises a plurality of switches arranged between any number of electrodes of memory cells <NUM>, <NUM> and their respective bitline to switchably connect the electrodes to their respective bitline, wherein the electrodes and bitlines are arranged on separate interconnection layers of the memory device <NUM>.

By forming a memory device <NUM> comprising a plurality of memory cells <NUM>, <NUM> according to this disclosure, a high density of both SOT-MTJ memory cells and STT-MTJ memory cells may be achieved.

An SOT-MTJ memory cell may enable faster writing operations than STT-MTJs. On the other hand, an STT-MTJ memory cell may allow for higher memory densities than SOT-MTJs, due to the increased footprint of the SOT-layer relative to the MTJ layer stack. SOT-MTJ memory cells may therefore conventionally be used for short-term low-capacity memory devices such as TAG-RAM while STT-MTJ memory cells may conventionally be used for long-term high-capacity memory devices such as disc drives.

A combination memory device <NUM> according to this disclosure may therefore have the speed of SOT-MTJ memory cells while also having a high memory density as usually associated with STT-MTJ memory cells. Such a memory device <NUM> may be used for a larger variety of different memory structures that may be used more efficiently.

<FIG> shows a method <NUM> for writing to and reading from a memory cell of a memory device according to this disclosure. The method <NUM> comprises a number of steps S110-S170 that may be performed in any order. The steps of <FIG> marked with dashed lines are optional.

A step of writing S110 a logic state to a first MTJ layer stack of the memory cell comprises supplying an SOT switching current between a first and a second electrode of the memory cell and through the SOT layer of the memory cell such that a resistance state of the first MTJ layer stack is switched.

When writing S110 to the first MTJ layer stack, a fourth electrode of the memory cell is disconnected from a fourth bitline of the memory device, and a first and a second electrode of the memory cell are connected to a first and a second bitline, respectively, of the memory device such that the SOT switching current is conducted between the first and second bitline.

This step S110 may further comprise connecting a third electrode of the memory cell to a third bitline of the memory device, such that the SOT switching current conducted between the first and second bitline is assisted by an STT assist current between the third bitline and either of the first and second bitline.

A step of writing S120 a logic state to a second MTJ layer stack of the memory cell comprises supplying an STT switching current through the second MTJ layer stack such that a resistance state of the second MTJ layer stack is switched.

When writing S120 to the second MTJ layer stack, the third electrode may be disconnected from the third bitline, the fourth electrode is connected to the fourth bitline, and one or both of the first and the second electrodes is connected to the respective first or second bitline, such that the STT switching current is conducted between the fourth bitline and said respective first or second bitline.

A step of writing S130 a logic state to a third MTJ layer stack of the memory cell comprises supplying an STT switching current through the third MTJ layer stack such that a resistance state of the third MTJ layer stack is switched.

When writing S130 to the third MTJ layer stack, the third and fourth electrode may be disconnected from the third and fourth bitline, a fifth electrode of the memory cell is connected to a fifth bitline of the memory device, and one or both of the first and the second electrodes is connected to the respective first or second bitline, such that the STT switching current is conducted between the fifth bitline and said respective first or second bitline.

A step of reading S140 a logic state from the first MTJ layer stack comprises supplying a reading current through or a reading voltage over the first MTJ layer stack to sense the resistance state of the first MTJ layer stack.

When reading S140 from the first MTJ layer stack, the third electrode is connected to the third bitline and one of the first and second electrodes is connected to the respective first or second bitline such that a resistance state of the first MTJ layer stack may be sensed via the third bitline and said one of the first and second bitlines.

A step of reading S150 a logic state from the second MTJ layer stack comprises supplying a reading current through or a reading voltage over the second MTJ layer stack to sense the resistance state of the second MTJ layer stack.

When reading S150 from the second MTJ layer stack, the fourth electrode is connected to the fourth bitline and one of the first and second electrodes is connected to the respective first or second bitline such that a resistance state of the second MTJ layer stack may be sensed via the fourth bitline and said one of the first and second bitlines.

A step of reading S160 a logic state from the third MTJ layer stack comprises supplying a reading current through or a reading voltage over the third MTJ layer stack to sense the resistance state of the third MTJ layer stack.

When reading S160 from the third MTJ layer stack, the fifth electrode is connected to the fifth bitline and one of the first and second electrodes is connected to the respective first or second bitline such that a resistance state of the third MTJ layer stack may be sensed via the fifth bitline and said one of the first and second bitlines.

A step of reading S170 a differential logic state from the second and third MTJ layer stacks comprises supplying a reading current through or a reading voltage over both the second and third MTJ layer stacks to sense the resistance state of both the second and third MTJ layer stacks.

When reading S170 from both the second and third MTJ layer stacks at once, the fourth and fifth electrode is connected to the fourth and fifth bitline, respectively, and one of the first and second electrodes is connected to the respective first or second bitline such that a resistance state of both the second and third MTJ layer stacks may be sensed via the fourth and fifth bitline and said one of the first and second bitlines.

In the above the inventive concept has mainly been described with reference to a limited number of embodiments.

Claim 1:
A memory cell (<NUM>) comprising:
a first (<NUM>) and a second (<NUM>) electrode; a spin-orbit-torque, SOT, layer (<NUM>) comprising first (<NUM>) and second ( <NUM>) electrode contact portions arranged in contact with and above the first (<NUM>) and the second (<NUM>) electrodes, respectively, and an intermediate portion (<NUM>) between the first and second electrode contact portions (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a first magnetic tunnel junction, MTJ, layer stack (<NUM>) arranged in contact with and above the intermediate portion (<NUM>); and
a second MTJ layer stack (<NUM>) arranged in contact with and above the second electrode contact portion (<NUM>);
a third MTJ layer stack (<NUM>) arranged in contact with and above the first electrode contact portion (<NUM>);
wherein the second MTJ layer stack (<NUM>) is arranged directly above the second electrode (<NUM>) and the third MTJ layer stack (<NUM>) is arranged directly above the first electrode (<NUM>).