Patent ID: 7190613

Claim:
A magnetic random access memory device comprising: a perpendicular magnetoresistive element having first and second magnetic layers and a nonmagnetic layer sandwiched between the first and second magnetic layers, the first magnetic layer forming a recording layer and the second magnetic layer forming a fixed layer, and each of the first and second magnetic layers being magnetized in a direction perpendicular to its plane; and a write wiring configured to place along a direction perpendicular to the direction of the thickness of the magnetoresistive element, the write wiring writing data into the magnetoresistive element by generating a magnetic field when supplied with a current and applying the generated magnetic field to the magnetoresistive element in the direction in which the magnetic layers are magnetized, the direction of magnetization of the recording layer being changed, said magnetic random access memory device further comprising a magnetic yoke member which holds the magnetoresistive element in the direction of the thickness and applies a magnetic field generated by the write wiring to the two magnetic layers of the magnetoresistive element.