Patent ID: 7932513

Claim:
A magnetic random access memory comprising: a bit line running in a first direction; a first word line running in a second direction different from the first direction; a memory element having a magnetoresistive effect element including a fixed layer having a fixed magnetization direction, a recording layer having a reversible magnetization direction, and a nonmagnetic layer formed between the fixed layer and the recording layer, the magnetization directions in the fixed layer and the recording layer being perpendicular to a film surface, and a heater layer in contact with the magnetoresistive effect element, the memory element being connected to the bit line, and formed to oppose a side surface of the first word line such that the memory element is insulated from the first word line first and second yoke layers formed by using a soft magnetic material in direct contact with respective lower and upper surfaces of the first word line; and a sidewall insulating film formed on side surfaces, which oppose the memory element, of the first word line and the first and second yoke layers, and in direct contact with the memory element.