SPIE - Education Introduction to magnetic random access memory : Fundamentals, current status, and emerging device concepts SC1273

This course introduces the students to one of the key emerging memory technologies in the semiconductor industry: Magnetic random access memory (MRAM). We review the changing paradigm of computing in the era of artificial intelligence, and the resulting need for new high-performance and high-density embedded memory technologies. We present the basics of MRAM, from device concepts to circuits, and the current implementation status of spin-transfer torque memory (STT-MRAM) across the industry. We then discuss scalability, density and performance challenges of STT-MRAM, and review emerging device concepts that attempt to overcome these. Among these, we will discuss voltage-controlled and spin-orbit torque MRAMs, and their key device and material considerations. This course introduces the students to one of the key emerging memory technologies in the semiconductor industry: Magnetic random access memory (MRAM). We review the changing paradigm of computing in the era of artificial intelligence, and the resulting need for new high-performance and high-density embedded memory technologies. We present the basics of MRAM, from device concepts to circuits, and the current implementation status of spin-transfer torque memory (STT-MRAM) across the industry. We then discuss scalability, density and performance challenges of STT-MRAM, and review emerging device concepts that attempt to overcome these. Among these, we will discuss voltage-controlled and spin-orbit torque MRAMs, and their key device and material considerations.