Patent ID: 7154776

Claim:
A thin film magnetic memory device comprising: a plurality of memory cells arranged in rows and columns, and each storing data written in response to application of first and second data write magnetic fields; a plurality of write word lines provided corresponding to said rows for passing, in a predetermined direction, a first data write current producing said first data write magnetic field in a selected row, respectively; a plurality of bit lines provided corresponding to said columns for passing, in a direction in accordance with a write data, a second data write current producing said second data write magnetic field in a selected column, respectively; a plurality of first column select lines each provided for every K columns (K: integer larger than one) corresponding to different column addresses, respectively, and every K columns forming one column block; second column select lines of K in number for selecting one of the corresponding K columns of in number in each said column block; a column decoder for selectively activating one of said plurality of first column select lines and one of said second column select lines of K in number in accordance with results of the column selection; and a data write circuit for operating in accordance with said first and second column select lines to set one and the other end portions of selected one of said bit lines corresponding to said selected column to one and the other of first and second voltages in accordance with a level of said write data, respectively.