Patent Description:
Semiconductor devices may be categorized as any one of memory devices and logic devices. The memory devices may store logical data. Typically, semiconductor memory devices may be classified into volatile memory devices and non-volatile memory devices. The volatile memory devices may lose their stored data when their power supplies are interrupted. For example, the volatile memory devices may include at least one of dynamic random access memory (DRAM) devices and static random access memory (SRAM) devices. The non-volatile memory devices may retain their stored data even when their power supplies are interrupted. For example, the non-volatile memory devices may include at least one of programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), electrically EPROM (EEPROM), and a flash memory device.

In addition, next-generation semiconductor memory devices (e.g., magnetic random access memory (MRAM) devices and/or phase-change random access memory (PRAM) devices) have been developed to provide high-performance and/or low power consumption semiconductor memory devices. Materials of these next-generation semiconductor memory devices may have resistance values that vary according to currents and/or voltages applied thereto and may retain their resistance values even when currents and/or voltages are interrupted.

Various techniques using semiconductor devices having different properties are being studied to improve an integration density and/or performance of a semiconductor device. <CIT> discloses a spin orbit coupling based oscillator. <CIT> discloses a magnetoresistance effect device. Document <CIT> shows a hybrid eDRAM and MRAM memory bit-cell and array.

Some example embodiments of the inventive concept may provide a semiconductor memory device capable of easily increasing an integration density and a method of operating the same. In one aspect, a semiconductor memory device is provided in accordance with claim <NUM>. In another aspect, a method of operating a semiconductor memory device is provided in accordance with claim <NUM>. Further aspects and preferred embodiments are set out in the dependent claims.

Additionally, some example embodiments of the inventive concept may provide a semiconductor memory device capable of performing a multi-bit (multi-cell) operation and/or a method of operating the same.

According to some example embodiments, a semiconductor memory device may include a conductive pattern extending in a first direction, a magnetic tunnel junction pattern on the conductive pattern, and a capacitor on the magnetic tunnel junction pattern. The magnetic tunnel junction pattern is between the conductive pattern and the capacitor, and the magnetic tunnel junction pattern connects to the capacitor, and the conductive pattern is configured to apply spin-orbit torque to the magnetic tunnel junction pattern.

According to some example embodiments, a semiconductor memory device may include a capacitor on a substrate, a magnetic tunnel junction pattern between the substrate and the capacitor and connected to the capacitor, and a conductive pattern between the substrate and the magnetic tunnel junction pattern. The capacitor comprises a bottom electrode connected to the magnetic tunnel junction pattern, a top electrode covering the bottom electrode, and a dielectric layer between the bottom electrode and the top electrode. The conductive pattern has a bar shape extending in a first direction that is parallel to a top surface of the substrate.

According to some example embodiments, a semiconductor memory device may include a lower conductive line on a substrate and extending in a first direction that is parallel to a top surface of the substrate, a plurality of contact plugs on the lower conductive line and apart from each other in the first direction, a plurality of conductive patterns on the plurality of contact plugs, respectively, and spaced apart from each other in the first direction, a plurality of magnetic tunnel junction patterns on the plurality of conductive patterns, respectively, and a capacitor on the magnetic tunnel junction patterns. The capacitor includes a plurality of bottom electrodes apart from each other in the first direction, and the magnetic tunnel junction patterns connect to the bottom electrodes, respectively.

According to some example embodiments, the inventive concept provides a method of operating a semiconductor memory device including a capacitor structure and a switching element connected to the capacitor structure. The method includes providing a first switching current to a conductive pattern adjacent to the magnetic tunnel junction pattern, the first switching current putting the magnetic tunnel junction pattern in a low resistance state, enabling performance of a first write operation for storing data in the capacitor, in response to the magnetic tunnel junction pattern being in the low resistance state, and providing a first reverse switching current to the conductive pattern to put the magnetic tunnel junction pattern in a high resistance state. The first switching current and the first reverse switching current are in-plane currents in the conductive pattern.

The inventive concept will become more apparent in view of the attached drawings and accompanying detailed description.

Hereinafter, some example embodiments of the inventive concept will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> is a plan view illustrating a semiconductor memory device according to some example embodiments of the inventive concept, and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along a line I-I' of <FIG>. <FIG> are cross-sectional views illustrating examples of a magnetic tunnel junction pattern of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a lower conductive line CL1 may be disposed on a substrate <NUM> and may extend longitudinally in a first direction D1 parallel to a top surface 100U of the substrate <NUM>. The substrate <NUM> may include at least one of a semiconductor substrate (e.g., a silicon (Si) substrate, a germanium (Ge) substrate, or a silicon-germanium (SiGe) substrate). The lower conductive line CL1 may include a metal (e.g., at least one of titanium, tungsten, aluminum, copper, and/or tantalum) and/or a metal nitride (e.g., at least one of titanium nitride, tantalum nitride, and/or tungsten nitride).

A first interlayer insulating layer <NUM> may be disposed on the lower conductive line CL1 and may cover the lower conductive line CL1. A contact plug <NUM> may be disposed in the first interlayer insulating layer <NUM> and may penetrate the first interlayer insulating layer <NUM> so as to be connected to (e.g. directly connected to) the lower conductive line CL1. The first interlayer insulating layer <NUM> may expose a top surface of the contact plug <NUM>. For example, a top surface of the first interlayer insulating layer <NUM> may be coplanar with the top surface of the contact plug <NUM>. For example, the first interlayer insulating layer <NUM> may include at least one of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and/or silicon oxynitride, and the contact plug <NUM> may include a metal (e.g., at least one of titanium, tungsten, aluminum, copper, and/or tantalum) and/or a metal nitride (e.g., at least one of titanium nitride, tantalum nitride, and/or tungsten nitride).

A conductive pattern CP may be disposed on the first interlayer insulating layer <NUM>. The conductive pattern CP may be vertically spaced apart from the lower conductive line CL1 with the first interlayer insulating layer <NUM> interposed therebetween. The conductive pattern CP may cover the exposed top surface of the contact plug <NUM> and may be connected to (e.g. directly connected to) the contact plug <NUM>. The contact plug <NUM> may electrically connect the lower conductive line CL1 and the conductive pattern CP to each other.

The conductive pattern CP may have a bar shape, e.g. a rectangular shape, extending longitudinally in the first direction D1. In some example embodiments, the conductive pattern CP may include a heavy metal or a material including, e.g. doped with a heavy metal. For some examples, the conductive pattern CP may include yttrium (Y), zirconium (Zr), niobium (Nb), molybdenum (Mo), technetium (Tc), ruthenium (Ru), rhodium (Rh), palladium (Pd), cadmium (Cd), indium (In), antimony (Sb), tellurium (Te), hafnium (Hf), tantalum (Ta, including high-resistance amorphous β-Ta), tungsten (W), rhenium (Re), osmium (Os), iridium (Ir), platinum (Pt), gold (Au), mercury (Hg), thallium (Tl), lead (Pb), bismuth (Bi), polonium (Po), astatine (At), and/or any combination thereof. For other examples, the conductive pattern CP may include 'M' including or doped with 'N'. Here, the 'N' may include at least one of vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), zinc (Zn), gallium (Ga), germanium (Ge), arsenic (As), selenium (Se), yttrium (Y), zirconium (Zr), niobium (Nb), molybdenum (Mo), technetium (Tc), ruthenium (Ru), rhodium (Rh), palladium (Pd), silver (Ag), cadmium (Cd), indium (In), antimony (Sb), tellurium (Te), iodine (I), lutetium (Lu), hafnium (Hf), tantalum (Ta), tungsten (W), rhenium (Re), osmium (Os), iridium (Ir), platinum (Pt), gold (Au), mercury (Hg), thallium (Tl), lead (Pb), bismuth (Bi), polonium (Po), astatine (At), lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce), praseodymium (Pr), neodymium (Nd), promethium (Pm), samarium (Sm), europium (Eu), gadolinium (Gd), terbium (Tb), dysprosium (Dy), holmium (Ho), erbium (Er), thulium (Tm), or ytterbium (Yb), and the 'M' may include at least one of aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), silver (Ag), hafnium (Hf), tantalum (Ta), tungsten (W), rhenium (Re), platinum (Pt), gold (Au), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), silicon (Si), gallium (Ga), gallium-manganese (GaMn), or gallium-arsenic (GaAs). In some example embodiments, the conductive pattern CP may include a topological insulator. In this case, the conductive pattern CP may include a compound including at least one of tellurium (Te) or selenium (Se) (i.e., a chalcogen element) and at least one of silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), bismuth (Bi), or antimony (Sb). For example, the conductive pattern CP may include at least one of GeSe, BiSe, BiSbTe, GeTe, GeTeSe, GeSbTe, SiTe, or SiGeTe.

An upper conductive line CL2 may be disposed on the first interlayer insulating layer <NUM> at one side of the conductive pattern CP. The upper conductive line CL2 may be vertically spaced apart from the lower conductive line CL1 with the first interlayer insulating layer <NUM> interposed therebetween. The upper conductive line CL2 may be over the lower conductive line CL1 and may intersect the lower conductive line CL1. For example, the upper conductive line CL2 may extend longitudinally in a second direction D2 which is parallel to the top surface 100U of the substrate <NUM> and intersects the first direction D1. The upper conductive line CL2 may include a metal (e.g., at least one of titanium, tungsten, aluminum, copper, and/or tantalum) and/or a metal nitride (e.g., at least one of titanium nitride, tantalum nitride, and/or tungsten nitride).

The upper conductive line CL2 may connect to the conductive pattern CP. The upper conductive line CL2 and the contact plug <NUM> may be respectively connected to (e.g. directly connected to) end portions of the conductive pattern CP, which are opposite to each other in the first direction D1. For example, the conductive pattern CP may have a first sidewall S1 and a second sidewall S2 which are opposite to each other in the first direction D1, and the upper conductive line CL2 and the contact plug <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to/directly adjacent to the first sidewall S1 and the second sidewall S2, respectively. The upper conductive line CL2 may be connected to (or in contact or direct contact with) the first sidewall S1 of the conductive pattern CP, and the contact plug <NUM> may be connected to (or in contact or direct contact with) a bottom surface of the conductive pattern CP, which is close to the second sidewall S2 of the conductive pattern CP.

A second interlayer insulating layer <NUM> may be disposed on the first interlayer insulating layer <NUM> and may cover sidewalls of the upper conductive line CL2 and the conductive pattern CP. The second interlayer insulating layer <NUM> may expose, e.g. may not cover, top surfaces of the upper conductive line CL2 and the conductive pattern CP. For example, the second interlayer insulating layer <NUM> may include at least one of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and/or silicon oxynitride.

A magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ may be disposed on the conductive pattern CP. In other words, the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ may be on the conductive pattern CP. The conductive pattern CP may extend in the first direction D1 under the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ. In other words, the lower conductive line CL1 may be apart from the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ with the conductive pattern CP between the lower conductive line CL1 and the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ. The contact plug <NUM> may be offset from the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ in the first direction D1, and the upper conductive line CL2 may be offset from the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ in a direction opposite to (e.g. intersecting) the first direction D1.

The magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ may include a free magnetic pattern FLS, a tunnel barrier pattern TBR and a pinned, or reference, magnetic pattern PLS, which are sequentially stacked in a third direction D3 perpendicular to the top surface 100U of the substrate <NUM>. The free magnetic pattern FLS may be on, e.g. directly on, the conductive pattern CP, the tunnel barrier pattern TBR may be on or directly on the free magnetic pattern FLS (e.g. the free magnetic pattern FLS may be between the tunnel barrier pattern TBR and the conductive pattern CP), and the reference magnetic pattern PLS may be on or directly on the tunnel barrier pattern TBR; however, example embodiments are not limited thereto. The tunnel barrier pattern TBR may be disposed between the reference magnetic pattern PLS and the free magnetic pattern FLS. For example, the tunnel barrier pattern TBR may include at least one of a magnesium oxide (MgO) layer, a titanium oxide (TiO) layer, an aluminum oxide (AlO) layer, a magnesium-zinc oxide (MgZnO) layer, or a magnesium-boron oxide (MgBO) layer. Each of the reference magnetic pattern PLS and the free magnetic pattern FLS may include at least one magnetic layer.

In some example embodiments, the free magnetic pattern FLS may be disposed between the tunnel barrier pattern TBR and the conductive pattern CP, and the reference magnetic pattern PLS may be spaced apart from the free magnetic pattern FLS with the tunnel barrier pattern TBR interposed therebetween. In some embodiments, unlike <FIG>, the reference magnetic pattern PLS may be disposed between the tunnel barrier pattern TBR and the conductive pattern CP, and the free magnetic pattern FLS may be spaced apart from the reference magnetic pattern PLS with the tunnel barrier pattern TBR interposed therebetween.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, the reference magnetic pattern PLS may include a reference layer having a magnetization direction MDp fixed, e.g. pointing, in one direction, and the free magnetic pattern FLS may include a free layer having a magnetization direction MDf which may be changed to be parallel (e.g. same direction) or to be anti-parallel (e.g. opposite direction) to the magnetization direction MDp of the reference magnetic pattern PLS.

In some example embodiments, as illustrated in <FIG>, the magnetization directions MDp and MDf of the reference magnetic pattern PLS and the free magnetic pattern FLS may be substantially perpendicular to an interface between the tunnel barrier pattern TBR and the free magnetic pattern FLS. For example, the magnetization directions MDp and MDf of the reference magnetic pattern PLS and the free magnetic pattern FLS may be substantially perpendicular to an interface INF between the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ and the conductive pattern CP (e.g. an interface between the free magnetic pattern FLS of the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ and the conductive pattern CP). In some example embodiments, each of the reference magnetic pattern PLS and the free magnetic pattern FLS may include at least one of an intrinsic perpendicular magnetic material or an extrinsic perpendicular magnetic material. The intrinsic perpendicular magnetic material may include a material which has a perpendicular magnetization property even though an external factor such as an external electromagnetic field does not exist. The intrinsic perpendicular magnetic material may include at least one of a perpendicular magnetic material (e.g., at least one of CoFeTb, CoFeGd, or CoFeDy), a perpendicular magnetic material having a L1<NUM> structure, a CoPt alloy having a hexagonal close packed (HCP) lattice structure, or a perpendicular magnetic structure. The perpendicular magnetic material having the L1<NUM> structure may include at least one of FePt having the L1<NUM> structure, FePd having the L1<NUM> structure, CoPd having the L1<NUM> structure, or CoPt having the L1<NUM> structure. The perpendicular magnetic structure may include magnetic layers and non-magnetic layers, which are alternately and repeatedly stacked. For example, the perpendicular magnetic structure may include at least one of (Co/Pt)n, (CoFe/Pt)n, (CoFe/Pd)n, (Co/Pd)n, (Co/Ni)n, (CoNi/Pt)n, (CoCr/Pt)n, or (CoCr/Pd)n, where 'n' denotes the number of bilayers. A thickness of each of the magnetic layers may be the same, or may be different. A thickness of each of the non-magnetic layers may be the same, or may be different, and may be the same as or different from the thickness of each of the magnetic layers. The extrinsic perpendicular magnetic material may include a material which has an intrinsic horizontal magnetization property but has a perpendicular magnetization property by or in the presence of an external factor. For example, the extrinsic perpendicular magnetic material may have the perpendicular magnetization property by magnetic anisotropy induced by a junction of the tunnel barrier pattern TBR and the reference magnetic pattern PLS (and/or the free magnetic pattern FLS). The extrinsic perpendicular magnetic material may include, for example, CoFeB. Each of the reference magnetic pattern PLS and the free magnetic pattern FLS may include a Co-based Heusler alloy.

In some example embodiments, as illustrated in <FIG>, the magnetization directions MDp and MDf of the reference magnetic pattern PLS and the free magnetic pattern FLS may be parallel or substantially parallel to the interface between the tunnel barrier pattern TBR and the free magnetic pattern FLS. For example, the magnetization directions MDp and MDf of the reference magnetic pattern PLS and the free magnetic pattern FLS may be substantially parallel to the interface INF between the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ and the conductive pattern CP (e.g. an interface between the free magnetic pattern FLS of the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ and the conductive pattern CP). In some example embodiments, each of the reference magnetic pattern PLS and the free magnetic pattern FLS may include a ferromagnetic material, and the reference magnetic pattern PLS may further include an antiferromagnetic material that fixes a magnetization direction of the ferromagnetic material.

The conductive pattern CP may be configured to apply spin-orbit torque to the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ. For example, referring to <FIG> an in-plane current I flowing in the conductive pattern CP may flow in parallel to the interface INF between the conductive pattern CP and the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ. In some example embodiments, a spin current based on a spin Hall effect (e.g., a quantum spin Hall effect) may flow in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the interface INF, and thus the spin-orbit torque may be applied to the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ. The magnetization direction MDf of the free magnetic pattern FLS may be switched by the spin-orbit torque.

Referring again to <FIG> and <FIG>, a conductive pad <NUM> may be disposed on the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ. The magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ may be disposed between the conductive pattern CP and the conductive pad <NUM>. The conductive pad <NUM> may include at least one of a doped semiconductor material (e.g., doped poly-crystalline silicon doped with impurities such as boron and/or phosphorus), a metal-semiconductor compound (e.g., tungsten silicide), a conductive metal nitride (e.g., at least one of titanium nitride, tantalum nitride, or tungsten nitride), or a metal (e.g., at least one of titanium, tungsten, or tantalum).

A third interlayer insulating layer <NUM> may be disposed on the second interlayer insulating layer <NUM> and may cover the exposed top surfaces of the upper conductive line CL2 and the conductive pattern CP. The third interlayer insulating layer <NUM> may cover the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ and the conductive pad <NUM> and may expose (e.g. may not cover) a top surface of the conductive pad <NUM>. For example, the third interlayer insulating layer <NUM> may include at least one of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and/or silicon oxynitride.

A capacitor structure (e.g. a capacitor) CAP may be disposed on the third interlayer insulating layer <NUM>. In other words, the capacitor structure CAP may be on the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ. The magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ may be between the conductive pattern CP and the capacitor structure CAP. The capacitor structure CAP may include a bottom electrode BE on the conductive pad <NUM>, a top electrode TE covering the bottom electrode BE, and a dielectric layer <NUM> between the bottom electrode BE and the top electrode TE. The bottom electrode BE may be electrically connected to the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ through the conductive pad <NUM>. In other words, the conductive pad <NUM> may be between the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ and the bottom electrode BE. The bottom electrode BE may have a pillar shape extending in the third direction D3. However, example embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto. The bottom electrode BE may be separated from the top electrode TE by the dielectric layer <NUM>. The dielectric layer <NUM> may be disposed between the bottom electrode BE and the top electrode TE and may extend between the top electrode TE and the third interlayer insulating layer <NUM>.

The bottom electrode BE and the top electrode TE may include at least one of doped poly-silicon, a metal, a metal silicide, or a metal nitride, and may or may not include or consist of the same material as each other. The dielectric layer <NUM> may include at least one of an oxide (e.g., silicon oxide), a nitride (e.g., silicon nitride), an oxynitride (e.g., silicon oxynitride), or a high-k dielectric material (e.g., hafnium oxide).

According to some example embodiments of the inventive concept, the conductive pattern CP and the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ may function as a switching element, e.g. a non-transistor based switching element, based on the spin-orbit torque. For example, the magnetization direction MDf of the free magnetic pattern FLS may be switched to be parallel (e.g. same direction) or anti-parallel (e.g. opposite direction) to the magnetization direction MDp of the reference magnetic pattern PLS, by the spin-orbit torque generated by the in-plane current I flowing in the conductive pattern CP. When the magnetization direction MDf of the free magnetic pattern FLS is parallel to the magnetization direction MDp of the reference magnetic pattern PLS, the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ may be in a low-resistance state, and the low-resistance state of the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ may be defined as an on-state of the switching element. When the magnetization direction MDf of the free magnetic pattern FLS is anti-parallel to the magnetization direction MDp of the reference magnetic pattern PLS, the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ may be in a high-resistance state, and the high-resistance state of the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ may be defined as an off-state of the switching element. For example, the on/off state of the switching element may be determined depending on the resistance state of the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ, and the amount of charges, e.g. the amount of electrons, charged into or discharged from the capacitor structure CAP may be controlled by the on/off state of the switching element. Data "<NUM>" or "<NUM>" may be determined depending on the amount of charges stored in the capacitor structure CAP.

According to the inventive concept, a unit memory cell of a semiconductor memory device may include the spin-orbit torque-based switching element including the conductive pattern CP and the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ, and the capacitor structure CAP controlled by the spin-orbit torque-based switching element. The unit memory cell of the semiconductor memory device may not include a transistor, such as an NMOS transistor.

<FIG> is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a write operation of the semiconductor memory device of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a switching voltage (Vsw) may be applied to the conductive pattern CP through the lower conductive line CL1 and the upper conductive line CL2. Thus, a switching current Isw may flow in the conductive pattern CP (see (a) of <FIG>) adjacent the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ. The switching current Isw may be an in-plane current flowing through the conductive pattern CP (i.e. in the conductive pattern CP)) and may flow in parallel to the interface INF between the conductive pattern CP and the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ. Accordingly, a spin current based on a spin Hall effect (e.g., a quantum spin Hall effect) may flow in a direction substantially perpendicular to the interface INF, and thus the spin-orbit torque may be applied to the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ. The magnetization direction MDf of the free magnetic pattern FLS may be switched in parallel (e.g. same direction, as shown in (a) of <FIG>) to the magnetization direction MDp of the reference magnetic pattern PLS by the spin-orbit torque generated by the switching current Isw. Accordingly, the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ may be in a low-resistance state (e.g., a switch on-state). In other words, the switching current Isw puts the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MSJ in a low resistance state.

When a first write voltage (Vwr1) is applied to the upper conductive line CL2, charges may be charged into the capacitor structure CAP through the conductive pattern CP and the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ, and thus data "<NUM>" may be written to / stored in the capacitor structure CAP (see WR "<NUM>" of (b) of <FIG>). For example, the first write voltage (Vwr1) may be a power voltage (VDD), and the capacitor structure CAP may be connected to a ground voltage (VGND). Accordingly, a first voltage (V1) may be applied to the lower conductive line CL1, and the first voltage (V1) may be greater than the ground voltage (VGND) and may be less than the first write voltage (Vwr1).

When a second write voltage (Vwr0) is applied to the upper conductive line CL2, charges in the capacitor structure CAP may be discharged through the conductive pattern CP and the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ, and thus data "<NUM>" may be stored in the capacitor structure CAP (see WR "<NUM>" of (b) of <FIG>). The second write voltage (Vwr0) may be less than the ground voltage (VGND). For example, the second write voltage (Vwr0) may be <NUM>. Accordingly, a second voltage (V0) may be applied to the lower conductive line CL1, and the second voltage (V0) may be equal to or less than the ground voltage (VGND). Example embodiments are not limited to a two-state storage device; for example, more than one bit may be stored within the capacitor structure CAP. Furthermore, a logic level of the bit stored within the capacitor structure CAP may be "<NUM>" when charge is stored and "<NUM>" when charge is dissipated, or may be "<NUM>" when charge is stored and "<NUM>" when charge is dissipated; example embodiments are not limited thereto.

After data (<NUM> or <NUM>) is stored in the capacitor structure CAP, a reverse switching voltage (Vswr) may be applied to the conductive pattern CP through the lower conductive line CL1 and the upper conductive line CL2. Thus, a reverse switching current Iswr may flow in the conductive pattern CP (see (c) of <FIG>). The reverse switching current Iswr may flow in a direction opposite to a flowing direction of the switching current Isw. The reverse switching current Iswr may be an in-plane current flowing through the conductive pattern CP (i.e. in the conductive pattern CP) and may flow in parallel to the interface INF between the conductive pattern CP and the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ Accordingly, a spin current based on a spin Hall effect (e.g., a quantum spin Hall effect) may flow in a direction substantially perpendicular to the interface INF, and thus the spin-orbit torque may be applied to the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ. A direction of the spin-orbit torque generated by the reverse switching current Iswr may be opposite to a direction of the spin-orbit torque generated by the switching current Isw. The magnetization direction MDf of the free magnetic pattern FLS may be switched in anti-parallel (e.g. opposite, as shown in (c) of <FIG>) to the magnetization direction MDp of the reference magnetic pattern PLS by the spin-orbit torque generated by the reverse switching current Iswr. Accordingly, the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ may be in a high-resistance state (i.e., a switch off-state). In other words, the reverse switching current Iswr puts the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ in a high resistance state.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the switching voltage (Vsw) may be applied to the conductive pattern CP through the lower conductive line CL1 and the upper conductive line CL2. Thus, the switching current Isw may flow in the conductive pattern CP (see (a) of <FIG>). The magnetization direction MDf of the free magnetic pattern FLS may be switched in parallel (e.g. same direction, as shown in (a) of <FIG>) to the magnetization direction MDp of the reference magnetic pattern PLS by the spin-orbit torque generated by the switching current Isw. Accordingly, the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ may be in the low-resistance state (e.g., the switch on-state).

When the first write voltage (Vwr1) is applied to each of the upper conductive line CL2 and the lower conductive line CL1, charges may be charged into the capacitor structure CAP through the conductive pattern CP and the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ, and thus data "<NUM>" may be stored in the capacitor structure CAP (see WR "<NUM>" of (b) of <FIG>). For example, the first write voltage (Vwr1) may be the power voltage (VDD), and the capacitor structure CAP may be connected to the ground voltage (VGND). According to the present write operation, unlike that described with reference to <FIG>, the first write voltage (Vwr1) may be applied to both the upper conductive line CL2 and the lower conductive line CL1, and thus a charging speed of the charges into the capacitor structure CAP may be relatively high.

When the second write voltage (Vwr0) is applied to each of the upper conductive line CL2 and the lower conductive line CL1, charges in the capacitor structure CAP may be discharged through the conductive pattern CP and the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ, and thus data "<NUM>" may be stored in the capacitor structure CAP (see WR "<NUM>" of (b) of <FIG>). The second write voltage (Vwr0) may be less than the ground voltage (VGND). For example, the second write voltage (Vwr0) may be <NUM>. According to the present write operation, the second write voltage (Vwr0) may be applied to both the upper conductive line CL2 and the lower conductive line CL1, and thus a discharging speed of the charges from the capacitor structure CAP may be relatively high.

After data (<NUM> or <NUM>) is stored in the capacitor structure CAP, the reverse switching voltage (Vswr) may be applied to the conductive pattern CP through the lower conductive line CL1 and the upper conductive line CL2. Thus, the reverse switching current Iswr may flow in the conductive pattern CP (see (c) of <FIG>). The magnetization direction MDf of the free magnetic pattern FLS may be switched in anti-parallel (e.g. opposite, as shown in (c) of <FIG>) to the magnetization direction MDp of the reference magnetic pattern PLS by the spin-orbit torque generated by the reverse switching current Iswr. Accordingly the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ may be in the high-resistance state (i.e., the switch off-state).

<FIG> is a conceptual diagram illustrating a read operation of the semiconductor memory device of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, for example, the magnetization direction MDf of the free magnetic pattern FLS may be anti-parallel (e.g. opposite, as shown in (a) of <FIG>) to the magnetization direction MDp of the reference magnetic pattern PLS. For example, the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ may be in the high-resistance state (e.g., the switch off-state) (see (a) of <FIG>).

The switching voltage (Vsw) may be applied to the conductive pattern CP through the lower conductive line CL1 and the upper conductive line CL2. Thus, the switching current Isw may flow in the conductive pattern CP (see (b) of <FIG>). The magnetization direction MDf of the free magnetic pattern FLS may be switched in parallel (e.g. same direction, as shown in (b) of <FIG>) to the magnetization direction MDp of the reference magnetic pattern PLS by the spin-orbit torque generated by the switching current Isw. Thus, the state of the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ may be changed into the low-resistance state (e.g., the switch on-state).

A read voltage (Vrd) may be applied to the conductive pattern CP through the lower conductive line CL1 and the upper conductive line CL2, and thus a read current RD may flow in the conductive pattern CP (see (c) of <FIG>). The read current RD may be or correspond to an in-plane current flowing through the conductive pattern CP. For example, the read voltage (Vrd) may be VDD/<NUM>. When data of the capacitor structure CAP is "<NUM>", charges in the capacitor structure CAP may move into the conductive pattern CP, and thus the read voltage (Vrd) may be increased (e.g., ΔVrd><NUM>). When data of the capacitor structure CAP is "<NUM>", charges in the conductive pattern CP may move into the capacitor structure CAP, and thus the read voltage (Vrd) may be reduced (e.g., ΔVrd<<NUM>). The data of the capacitor structure CAP may be detected depending on the increase and/or reduction of the read voltage (Vrd).

<FIG> is a conceptual diagram illustrating a multi-bit operation of the semiconductor memory device of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, after data "<NUM>" is stored in the capacitor structure CAP, a first reverse switching voltage (Vswr1) may be applied to the conductive pattern CP through the lower conductive line CL1 and the upper conductive line CL2. Thus, a first reverse switching current Iswr1 may flow in the conductive pattern CP (see (a) of <FIG>). The first reverse switching current Iswr1 may be or correspond to an in-plane current flowing through the conductive pattern CP and may flow in parallel to the interface INF between the conductive pattern CP and the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ. The magnetization direction MDf of the free magnetic pattern FLS may be switched in anti-parallel (e.g. opposite direction, as shown in (a) of <FIG>) to the magnetization direction MDp of the reference magnetic pattern PLS by spin-orbit torque generated by the first reverse switching current Iswr1. Accordingly, the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ may be in a high-resistance state RH (e.g., a switch off-state). When the data of the capacitor structure CAP is "<NUM>", the read voltage (Vrd) by the read operation of <FIG> may be reduced (i.e., ΔVrd<<NUM>). Accordingly, the data of the capacitor structure CAP may be defined as (<NUM>, <NUM>); however, example embodiments are not limited thereto, and the data of the capacitor structure CAP may be one of (<NUM>, <NUM>), (<NUM>, <NUM>), or (<NUM>, <NUM>).

A first switching voltage (Vsw1) may be applied to the conductive pattern CP through the lower conductive line CL1 and the upper conductive line CL2. Thus, a first switching current Isw1 may flow in the conductive pattern CP (see (d) of <FIG>). The first switching current Isw1 may be an in-plane current flowing through the conductive pattern CP and may flow in parallel to the interface INF between the conductive pattern CP and the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ. The first switching current Isw1 may flow in a direction opposite to a flowing direction of the first reverse switching current Iswr1. A direction of spin-orbit torque generated by the first switching current Isw1 may be opposite to a direction of the spin-orbit torque generated by the first reverse switching current Iswr1. Thus, the magnetization direction MDf of the free magnetic pattern FLS may be switched in parallel (e.g. in the same direction, as shown in (d) of <FIG>) to the magnetization direction MDp of the reference magnetic pattern PLS by the spin-orbit torque generated by the first switching current Isw1. Accordingly, the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ may be in a low-resistance state RL (e.g., a switch on-state).

The write operation described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG> may be performed under a condition that the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ is in the low-resistance state RL (i.e., the switch on-state). For example, the first write voltage (Vwr1) may be applied to at least one of the upper conductive line CL2 or the lower conductive line CL1, and thus charges may be charged into the capacitor structure CAP through the conductive pattern CP and the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ (see WR of (d) of <FIG>). Data "<NUM>" may be stored in the capacitor structure CAP, and the read voltage (Vrd) by the read operation of <FIG> may be increased (i.e., ΔVrd>>><NUM>). Accordingly, the data of the capacitor structure CAP may be defined as (<NUM>, <NUM>); however, example embodiments are not limited thereto, and the data of the capacitor structure CAP may be one of (<NUM>, <NUM>), (<NUM>, <NUM>), or (<NUM>, <NUM>).

A second reverse switching voltage (Vswr2) may be applied to the conductive pattern CP through the lower conductive line CL1 and the upper conductive line CL2. Thus, a second reverse switching current Iswr2 may flow in the conductive pattern CP (see (b) of <FIG>). The second reverse switching current Iswr2 may be an in-plane current flowing through the conductive pattern CP and may flow in parallel to the interface INF between the conductive pattern CP and the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ. The second reverse switching voltage (Vswr2) may be less than the first reverse switching voltage (Vswr1), and the second reverse switching current Iswr2 may flow in the same direction as the first reverse switching current Iswr1. A direction of spin-orbit torque generated by the second reverse switching current Iswr2 may be the same as the direction of the spin-orbit torque generated by the first reverse switching current Iswr1, and a magnitude of the spin-orbit torque generated by the second reverse switching current Iswr2 may be less than a magnitude of the spin-orbit torque generated by the first reverse switching current Iswr1. Thus, the magnetization direction MDf of the free magnetic pattern FLS may be switched in non-parallel (e.g., close to anti-parallel, e.g. angled, as shown in (b) of <FIG>) to the magnetization direction MDp of the reference magnetic pattern PLS by the spin-orbit torque generated by the second reverse switching current Iswr2. Accordingly, the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ may have a first resistance R1 which is less than the high resistance RH and greater than the low resistance RL. In other words, the second reverse switching current Iswr2 puts the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ in a first resistance state R1.

The write operation described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG> may be performed or enabled under a condition that the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ has the first resistance R1. For example, the first write voltage (Vwr1) may be applied to at least one of the upper conductive line CL2 or the lower conductive line CL1, and thus charges may be charged into the capacitor structure CAP through the conductive pattern CP and the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ (see WR of (b) of <FIG>). Accordingly, since the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ has the first resistance R1 greater than the low resistance RL, the amount of the charges charged in the capacitor structure CAP may be relatively small. The read voltage (Vrd) by the read operation of <FIG> may be increased in proportion to the amount of the charges in the capacitor structure CAP (i.e., ΔVrd><NUM>). Accordingly, the data of the capacitor structure CAP may be defined as (<NUM>, <NUM>), however, example embodiments are not limited thereto, and the data of the capacitor structure CAP may be one of (<NUM>, <NUM>), (<NUM>, <NUM>), or (<NUM>, <NUM>).

A second switching voltage (Vsw2) may be applied to the conductive pattern CP through the lower conductive line CL1 and the upper conductive line CL2. Thus, a second switching current Isw2 may flow in the conductive pattern CP (see (c) of <FIG>). The second switching current Isw2 may be an in-plane current flowing through the conductive pattern CP and may flow in parallel to the interface INF between the conductive pattern CP and the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ. The second switching voltage (Vsw2) may be less than the first switching voltage (Vsw1), and the second switching current Isw2 may flow in the same direction as the first switching current Isw1. A direction of spin-orbit torque generated by the second switching current Isw2 may be the same as the direction of the spin-orbit torque generated by the first switching current Isw1, and a magnitude of the spin-orbit torque generated by the second switching current Isw2 may be less than a magnitude of the spin-orbit torque generated by the first switching current Isw1. Thus, the magnetization direction MDf of the free magnetic pattern FLS may be switched in non-parallel (e.g., close to parallel, e.g. angled, as shown in (c) of <FIG>) to the magnetization direction MDp of the reference magnetic pattern PLS by the spin-orbit torque generated by the second switching current Isw2. Accordingly, the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ may have a second resistance R2 which is greater than the low resistance RL and less than the first resistance R1. In other words, the second switching current Isw2 puts the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ into a second resistance state R2.

The write operation described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG> may be performed or be enabled under a condition that the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ has the second resistance R2. For example, the first write voltage (Vwr1) may be applied to at least one of the upper conductive line CL2 or the lower conductive line CL1, and thus charges may be charged into the capacitor structure CAP through the conductive pattern CP and the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ (see WR of (c) of <FIG>). Accordingly, since the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ has the second resistance R2 less than the first resistance R1, the amount of the charges charged in the capacitor structure CAP may be relatively great. The read voltage (Vrd) by the read operation of <FIG> may be increased in proportion to the amount of the charges in the capacitor structure CAP (e.g., ΔVrd>><NUM>). Accordingly, the data of the capacitor structure CAP may be defined as (<NUM>, <NUM>); however, example embodiments are not limited thereto, and the data of the capacitor structure CAP may be one of (<NUM>, <NUM>), (<NUM>, <NUM>), or (<NUM>, <NUM>).

According to the inventive concept, the amount of charges (e.g. electrons) charged in the capacitor structure CAP may be controlled depending on the resistance state of the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ included in the spin-orbit torque-based switching element. Thus, a semiconductor memory device including a unit memory cell capable of performing the multi-bit operation may be provided. Furthermore, the unit memory cell capable of performing the multi-bit operation may not include a transistor. The unit memory cell may include or consist of one magnetic tunnel junction device and one capacitor, e.g. may include or consist of a 1MTJ-1C or 1C-1MTJ unit cell.

<FIG> is a plan view illustrating a semiconductor memory device according to some example embodiments of the inventive concept, and <FIG> and <FIG> are cross-sectional views taken along lines A-A' and B-B' of <FIG>, respectively. Hereinafter, differences between example embodiments and example embodiments described with reference to <FIG>, will be mainly described for the purpose of ease and convenience in explanation.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, lower conductive lines CL1 may be disposed on a substrate <NUM>. The lower conductive lines CL1 may extend longitudinally in the first direction D1 and may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction D2. Each of the lower conductive lines CL1 may be connected to at least one transistor (not illustrated) for driving each of the lower conductive lines CL1. A lower insulating layer <NUM> may be disposed between the lower conductive lines CL1 and may insulate the lower conductive lines CL1 from each other. For example, the lower insulating layer <NUM> may include at least one of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and/or silicon oxynitride.

A first interlayer insulating layer <NUM> may be disposed on the lower conductive lines CL1 and may cover the lower conductive lines CL1 and the lower insulating layer <NUM>. A plurality of contact plugs <NUM> may be disposed in the first interlayer insulating layer <NUM> and may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The plurality of contact plugs <NUM> may be two-dimensionally arranged, e.g. may be arranged in a repeating pattern such as a repeating rectangular or square pattern or a repeating hexagonal pattern, in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The contact plugs <NUM> arranged in the first direction D1 may penetrate the first interlayer insulating layer <NUM> so as to be connected to a corresponding one of the lower conductive lines CL1. The contact plugs <NUM> arranged in the second direction D2 may penetrate the first interlayer insulating layer <NUM> so as to be connected to the lower conductive lines CL1, respectively. The first interlayer insulating layer <NUM> may expose (e.g. may not cover) top surfaces of the plurality of contact plugs <NUM>.

A plurality of conductive patterns CP may be disposed on the first interlayer insulating layer <NUM>. The plurality of conductive patterns CP may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 and may be two-dimensionally arranged in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. Each of the plurality of conductive patterns CP may have a bar shape such as a rectangular shape extending longitudinally in the first direction D1. The conductive patterns CP arranged in the first direction D1 may be connected to or directly connected to the contact plugs <NUM> arranged in the first direction D1, respectively. The conductive patterns CP arranged in the first direction D1 may be connected to or directly connected to a corresponding one of the lower conductive lines CL1 through the contact plugs <NUM> arranged in the first direction D1. The conductive patterns CP arranged in the second direction D2 may be connected to or directly connected to the contact plugs <NUM> arranged in the second direction D2, respectively. The conductive patterns CP arranged in the second direction D2 may be connected to the lower conductive lines CL1 through the contact plugs <NUM> arranged in the second direction D2, respectively.

A plurality of upper conductive lines CL2 may be disposed on the first interlayer insulating layer <NUM>. The plurality of upper conductive lines CL2 may extend in the second direction D2 and may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction D1. Each of the plurality of upper conductive lines CL2 may be connected to or directly connected to the conductive patterns CP arranged in the second direction D2. Each of the conductive patterns CP may have end portions opposite to each other in the first direction D1. One end portion of each of the conductive patterns CP may be connected to, e.g. directly connected to, a corresponding one of the plurality of upper conductive lines CL2, and another end portion of each of the conductive patterns CP may be connected to, e.g. directly connected to, a corresponding one of the plurality of contact plugs <NUM>.

A second interlayer insulating layer <NUM> may be disposed on the first interlayer insulating layer <NUM> and may cover sidewalls of the plurality of upper conductive lines CL2 and sidewalls of the plurality of conductive patterns CP.

A plurality of magnetic tunnel junction patterns MTJ may be disposed on the plurality of conductive patterns CP, respectively. The plurality of magnetic tunnel junction patterns MTJ may be two-dimensionally arranged in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. Each of the plurality of magnetic tunnel junction patterns MTJ may include a free magnetic pattern FLS, a tunnel barrier pattern TBR and a reference magnetic pattern PLS, which are sequentially stacked in the third direction D3. Each of the magnetic tunnel junction patterns MTJ may be the same, e.g. substantially the same, as the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ described with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>.

A plurality of conductive pads <NUM> may be disposed on the plurality of magnetic tunnel junction patterns MTJ, respectively. Each of the plurality of magnetic tunnel junction patterns MTJ may be disposed between a corresponding one of the plurality of conductive patterns CP and a corresponding one of the plurality of conductive pads <NUM>.

A third interlayer insulating layer <NUM> may be disposed on the second interlayer insulating layer <NUM> and may cover top surfaces of the plurality of upper conductive lines CL2 and top surfaces of the plurality of conductive patterns CP. The third interlayer insulating layer <NUM> may cover the plurality of magnetic tunnel junction patterns MTJ and the plurality of conductive pads <NUM> and may expose, e.g. not cover, top surfaces of the plurality of conductive pads <NUM>.

A capacitor structure CAP may be disposed on the third interlayer insulating layer <NUM>. The capacitor structure CAP may include a plurality of bottom electrodes BE disposed on the plurality of conductive pads <NUM>, respectively, a top electrode TE covering the plurality of bottom electrodes BE, and a dielectric layer <NUM> between the top electrode TE and the plurality of bottom electrodes BE. Each of the plurality of bottom electrodes BE may be electrically connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of magnetic tunnel junction patterns MTJ through a corresponding one of the plurality of conductive pads <NUM>.

The lower conductive lines CL1, the lower insulating layer <NUM>, the first interlayer insulating layer <NUM>, the plurality of contact plugs <NUM>, the plurality of conductive patterns CP, the plurality of upper conductive lines CL2, the second interlayer insulating layer <NUM>, the plurality of magnetic tunnel junction patterns MTJ, the plurality of conductive pads <NUM>, the third interlayer insulating layer <NUM> and the capacitor structure CAP may constitute or be included in a stack structure SS. A plurality of the stack structures SS may be stacked on the substrate <NUM> in the third direction D3. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate a case in which the number of the stack structures SS stacked on the substrate <NUM> is <NUM>. However, example embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto.

An upper insulating layer <NUM> may be disposed between the plurality of stack structures SS. The upper insulating layer <NUM> may be disposed between the capacitor structure CAP and additional lower conductive lines CL1 disposed on the capacitor structure CAP. For example, the upper insulating layer <NUM> may include at least one of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and/or silicon oxynitride.

According to some example embodiments of the inventive concept, the stack structures SS and the upper insulating layers <NUM> may be alternately and repeatedly stacked on the substrate <NUM> in the third direction D3. Thus, a semiconductor memory device capable of easily increasing an integration density may be provided.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the line A-A' of <FIG> to illustrate a semiconductor memory device according to some example embodiments of the inventive concept. Hereinafter, differences between example embodiments and embodiments described with reference to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> will be mainly described for the purpose of ease and convenience in explanation.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a peripheral circuit structure PS may be disposed between the substrate <NUM> and the stack structure SS. The peripheral circuit structure PS may include peripheral transistors PTR such as NMOS and/or PMOS transistors on the substrate <NUM>, interconnections <NUM> and <NUM> connected to the peripheral transistors PTR, and a peripheral insulating layer <NUM> covering the peripheral transistors PTR and the interconnections <NUM> and <NUM>. The peripheral transistors PTR may be, for example, field effect transistors. For example, each of the peripheral transistors PTR may include a gate electrode GE on the substrate <NUM>, a gate insulating layer GI between the gate electrode GE and the substrate <NUM>, and source/drain regions SD at both sides of the gate electrode GE. The interconnections <NUM> and <NUM> may include contacts <NUM> connected to the source/drain regions SD of each of the peripheral transistors PTR, and interconnection lines <NUM> connected to the contacts <NUM>. The interconnections <NUM> and <NUM> may include a conductive material, and the peripheral insulating layer <NUM> may include, for example, at least one of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and/or silicon oxynitride.

Each of the lower conductive lines CL1 of the stack structure SS may be electrically connected to a corresponding one of the peripheral transistors PTR in the peripheral circuit structure PS. <FIG> illustrates a case in which the number of the stack structure SS stacked on the peripheral circuit structure PS is <NUM>. However, example embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto. As described with reference to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, a plurality of the stack structures SS may be stacked on the peripheral circuit structure PS in the third direction D3.

According to some example embodiments of the inventive concept, the peripheral circuit structure PS may be disposed between the stack structure SS and the substrate <NUM>, and thus a semiconductor memory device capable of easily increasing an integration density may be provided.

<FIG> is a plan view illustrating a semiconductor memory device according to some example embodiments of the inventive concept, and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along a line I-I' of <FIG>. Hereinafter, differences between example embodiments and embodiments described with reference to <FIG> will be mainly described for the purpose of ease and convenience in explanation.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a capacitor structure CAP (e.g. a capacitor) may be disposed on a substrate <NUM>. The capacitor structure CAP may include a bottom electrode BE, a top electrode TE covering the bottom electrode BE, and a dielectric layer <NUM> between the bottom electrode BE and the top electrode TE. The top electrode TE may be disposed between the substrate <NUM> and the bottom electrode BE and may surround a sidewall of the bottom electrode BE. A third interlayer insulating layer <NUM> may be disposed on the capacitor structure CAP, and the dielectric layer <NUM> may extend between the top electrode TE and the third interlayer insulating layer <NUM>.

A magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ and a conductive pad <NUM> may be disposed in the third interlayer insulating layer <NUM>. The conductive pad <NUM> may be disposed between the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ and the bottom electrode BE. The magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ may be electrically connected to the bottom electrode BE through the conductive pad <NUM>. The magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ may include a reference magnetic pattern PLS, a tunnel barrier pattern TBR and a free magnetic pattern FLS, which are sequentially stacked in a third direction D3 perpendicular to a top surface 100U of the substrate <NUM>. In some example embodiments, the reference magnetic pattern PLS may be disposed between the tunnel barrier pattern TBR and the conductive pad <NUM>, and the free magnetic pattern FLS may be spaced apart from the reference magnetic pattern PLS with the tunnel barrier pattern TBR interposed therebetween. In some example embodiments, unlike <FIG>, the free magnetic pattern FLS may be disposed between the tunnel barrier pattern TBR and the conductive pad <NUM>, and the reference magnetic pattern PLS may be spaced apart from the free magnetic pattern FLS with the tunnel barrier pattern TBR interposed therebetween.

A conductive pattern CP may be disposed on the third interlayer insulating layer <NUM> and may be connected to the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ. The conductive pattern CP may extend in the first direction D1 on the third interlayer insulating layer <NUM>. The conductive pattern CP may be configured to apply spin-orbit torque to the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ. For example, an in-plane current I flowing in the conductive pattern CP may flow in parallel to an interface INF between the conductive pattern CP and the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ. Accordingly, a spin current based on a spin Hall effect (e.g., a quantum spin Hall effect) may flow in a direction substantially perpendicular to the interface INF, and thus the spin-orbit torque may be applied to the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ. The magnetization direction MDf (see <FIG>) of the free magnetic pattern FLS may be switched by the spin-orbit torque.

An upper conductive line CL2 may be disposed on the third interlayer insulating layer <NUM> at one side of the conductive pattern CP. The upper conductive line CL2 may extend longitudinally in the second direction D2. A contact plug <NUM> may be disposed on the conductive pattern CP. The conductive pattern CP may have a bar shape, e.g. a rectangular shape, extending longitudinally in the first direction D1, and the upper conductive line CL2 and the contact plug <NUM> may be respectively connected to end portions of the conductive pattern CP, which are opposite to each other in the first direction D1. For example, the conductive pattern CP may have a first sidewall S1 and a second sidewall S2 which are opposite to each other in the first direction D1, and the upper conductive line CL2 and the contact plug <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to the first sidewall S1 and the second sidewall S2, respectively. The upper conductive line CL2 may be connected to (or in contact with) the first sidewall S1 of the conductive pattern CP, and the contact plug <NUM> may be connected to (or in contact with) a top surface of the conductive pattern CP, which is close to the second sidewall S2 of the conductive pattern CP. The contact plug <NUM> may be offset from the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ in the first direction D1, and the upper conductive line CL2 may be offset from the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ in a direction opposite to the first direction D1.

A second interlayer insulating layer <NUM> may be disposed on the third interlayer insulating layer <NUM> and may cover sidewalls of the upper conductive line CL2 and the conductive pattern CP. The second interlayer insulating layer <NUM> may expose top surfaces of the upper conductive line CL2 and the conductive pattern CP. A first interlayer insulating layer <NUM> may be disposed on the second interlayer insulating layer <NUM> and may cover the exposed top surfaces of the upper conductive line CL2 and the conductive pattern CP. The contact plug <NUM> may penetrate the first interlayer insulating layer <NUM> so as to be connected to the conductive pattern CP.

A lower conductive line CL1 may be disposed on the first interlayer insulating layer <NUM> and may extend longitudinally in the first direction D1. The lower conductive line CL1 may be electrically connected to the conductive pattern CP through the contact plug <NUM>.

According to some example embodiments, the capacitor structure CAP may be disposed between the substrate <NUM> and the spin-orbit torque-based switching element including the conductive pattern CP and the magnetic tunnel junction pattern MTJ. Except for the above differences, other features of a unit memory cell of a semiconductor memory device according to the present embodiments may be substantially the same as corresponding features of the unit memory cell of the semiconductor memory device described with reference to <FIG>.

According to some example embodiments of the inventive concept, the unit memory cell of the semiconductor memory device may include the spin-orbit torque-based switching element including the conductive pattern and the magnetic tunnel junction pattern, and the capacitor structure controlled by the spin-orbit torque-based switching element. The amount of charges charged into the capacitor structure may be controlled depending on the resistance state of the magnetic tunnel junction pattern, and thus the unit memory cell may perform the multi-bit operation. The unit memory cell of the semiconductor memory device may not include an access transistor. The unit memory cell of the semiconductor memory device may include or consist of a 1MTJ-1C unit memory cell. Alternatively or additionally, the unit memory cells may be horizontally and vertically stacked on the substrate, and thus the integration density of the semiconductor memory device may be more easily increased.

Claim 1:
A semiconductor memory device comprising:
a conductive pattern, (CP), extending in a first direction, (D1);
a magnetic tunnel junction pattern, (MTJ), on the conductive pattern; and
a capacitor, (CAP), CAP, on the magnetic tunnel junction pattern,
wherein the magnetic tunnel junction pattern is between the conductive pattern and the capacitor, and
the magnetic tunnel junction pattern connects to the capacitor, and the conductive pattern is configured to apply spin-orbit torque to the magnetic tunnel junction pattern.