Dynamic compact model of Spin-Transfer Torque based Magnetic Tunnel Junction (MTJ)

The integration of Magnetic Tunnel Junctions (MTJ) above CMOS circuits in embedded Magnetic RAM (MRAM) or Magnetic FPGA (MFPGA) could bring to digital circuits major advantages associated to non-volatile capability such as instant on/off, multi-context FPGA and zero standby power consumption. A complete simulation model for the hybrid MTJ/CMOS design is presented in this paper. Based on the recently demonstrated Spin-Transfer Torque (STT) writing approach which promises to lower the switching current down to ∼120uA, we have added to the previous static model the dynamic behaviors as well as the switching probability and the thermal effects. The model has been developed in Verilog-A language and implemented on Cadence Virtuoso platform. Many experimental parameters are included in this model to improve the simulation accuracy. Simulations demonstrate that the model can be efficiently used to design hybrid MTJ/CMOS circuits.

[1]  J. Slonczewski Current-driven excitation of magnetic multilayers , 1996 .

[2]  W. Black,et al.  Programmable logic using giant-magnetoresistance and spin-dependent tunneling devices (invited) , 2000 .

[3]  Stuart A. Wolf,et al.  Spintronics : A Spin-Based Electronics Vision for the Future , 2009 .

[4]  Mahmut T. Kandemir,et al.  Leakage Current: Moore's Law Meets Static Power , 2003, Computer.

[5]  P. Freitas,et al.  Tunneling hot spots and heating in magnetic tunnel junctions , 2004 .

[6]  J. Katine,et al.  Time-resolved reversal of spin-transfer switching in a nanomagnet. , 2004, Physical review letters.

[7]  M. Hosomi,et al.  A novel nonvolatile memory with spin torque transfer magnetization switching: spin-ram , 2005, IEEE InternationalElectron Devices Meeting, 2005. IEDM Technical Digest..

[8]  J. Slaughter,et al.  High speed toggle MRAM with mgO-based tunnel junctions , 2005, IEEE InternationalElectron Devices Meeting, 2005. IEDM Technical Digest..

[9]  William J. Gallagher,et al.  Development of the magnetic tunnel junction MRAM at IBM: From first junctions to a 16-Mb MRAM demonstrator chip , 2006, IBM J. Res. Dev..

[10]  H. Ohno,et al.  Current-Driven Magnetization Switching in CoFeB/MgO/CoFeB Magnetic Tunnel Junctions , 2005, INTERMAG 2006 - IEEE International Magnetics Conference.

[11]  J. Katine,et al.  Magnetization switching by spin torque using subnanosecond current pulses assisted by hard axis magnetic fields , 2006 .

[12]  Jonathan Z. Sun,et al.  Spin angular momentum transfer in current-perpendicular nanomagnetic junctions , 2006, IBM J. Res. Dev..

[13]  S. D. Andrews,et al.  Time-resolved imaging of spin transfer switching: beyond the macrospin concept. , 2006, Physical review letters.

[14]  E. Belhaire,et al.  Macro-model of Spin-Transfer Torque based Magnetic Tunnel Junction device for hybrid Magnetic-CMOS design , 2006, 2006 IEEE International Behavioral Modeling and Simulation Workshop.

[15]  Shoji Ikeda,et al.  2Mb Spin-Transfer Torque RAM (SPRAM) with Bit-by-Bit Bidirectional Current Write and Parallelizing-Direction Current Read , 2007, 2007 IEEE International Solid-State Circuits Conference. Digest of Technical Papers.

[16]  H. Ohno,et al.  Magnetic Tunnel Junctions for Spintronic Memories and Beyond , 2007, IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices.

[17]  H. Ohno,et al.  Single-shot time-resolved measurements of nanosecond-scale spin-transfer induced switching: stochastic versus deterministic aspects. , 2008, Physical review letters.

[18]  B. Dieny,et al.  Spin-dependent phenomena and their implementation in spintronic devices , 2008, 2008 International Symposium on VLSI Technology, Systems and Applications (VLSI-TSA).

[19]  Eric Belhaire,et al.  New non‐volatile logic based on spin‐MTJ , 2008 .

[20]  S. H. Lim,et al.  Increase of temperature due to Joule heating during current-induced magnetization switching of an MgO-based magnetic tunnel junction , 2008 .

[21]  Aaas News,et al.  Book Reviews , 1893, Buffalo Medical and Surgical Journal.