Patent ID: 7272064

Claim:
A thin film magnetic memory device for writing K-bit write data in parallel (where K is an integer of at least 2), comprising: a plurality of memory cells arranged in a matrix, and each having an electric resistance according to storage data magnetically written therein; a plurality of write digit lines arranged respectively corresponding to the memory cell rows, for passing therethrough a prescribed write current of a fixed direction in a selected row in data write operation; a plurality of bit lines arranged respectively corresponding to the memory cell columns, for passing therethrough a data write current of a direction according to a level of said write data; at least K current return lines each for turning back said data write current flowing through one of K selected bit lines of K columns selected to write said K-bit write data as necessary; and a write driver for supplying said data write current to said K selected bit lines in directions respectively corresponding to said K-bit write data, wherein said write driver connects said K selected bit lines and L of said current return lines in series between first and second voltages in said data write operation (where L is an integer in a range of 0 to K).