Patent ID: 8877522

Claim:
A method of forming a magnetoresistive-based device, comprising: forming a first via that includes an electrically conductive material, the electrically conductive material in the first via having an upper surface that is below an upper surface of a layer of dielectric material within which the first via is formed; depositing a first layer of electrically conductive material over the first via and the layer of dielectric material, wherein depositing the first layer of electrically conductive material results in a recess in the first layer of electrically conductive material overlying the first via, wherein a first portion of the first layer of electrically conductive material contacts the upper surface of the electrically conductive material in the first via, wherein the first portion of the first layer of electrically conductive material is below the upper surface of the layer of dielectric material; forming a magnetoresistive element over the first layer of electrically conductive material, the magnetoresistive element including a plurality of magnetic layers and a tunnel junction, wherein forming the magnetoresistive element includes positioning the magnetoresistive element relative to the first via based in part on the recess in the first layer of electrically conductive material; forming an electrode over the magnetoresistive element; and forming a second via over the electrode.