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US6081446A
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Multiple bit magnetic memory cell
Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
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Filing: 1998-06-03
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Granted: 2000-06-27
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Expires: 2018-06-03
Abstract
Abstract A multiple bit magnetic memory cell includes a data storage layer having a shape which is preselected to provide at least three domain states wherein each domain state corresponds to a particular logic state and a particular orientation of magnetization in the data storage layer. The multiple bit magnetic memory cell includes a reference layer having a fixed orientation of magnetization which is defined by an angle of orientation wherein the angle of orientation is preselected to distinguish the domain states of the data storage layer.
Inventors
- 👤 James A. Brug
- 👤 Manoj K. Bhatacharyya
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 04:55
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11C; G11C11/00; G11C11/02; G11C11/14; G11C11/15; G11C11/16; G11C11/161; G11C11/165; G11C11/1659; G11C11/1675; G11C11/56; G11C11/5607; G11C2211/00; G11C2211/56; G11C2211/561; G11C2211/5615
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 20
Claim 1
Independent Claim
87 words
A multiple bit magnetic memory cell, comprising: data storage layer having a shape which is preselected to provide at least three domain states wherein each domain state corresponds to a particular orientation of magnetization in the data storage layer, wherein the shape is a square having four end regions and an interior region; and reference layer having a fixed orientation of magnetization which is defined by an angle of orientation wherein the angle of orientation is preselected to distinguish the domain states of the data storage layer.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
87 words
A multiple bit magnetic memory cell, comprising: data storage layer having a shape which is preselected to provide at least three domain states wherein each domain state corresponds to a particular orientation of magnetization in the data storage layer, wherein the shape is a square having four end regions and an interior region; and reference layer having a fixed orientation of magnetization which is defined by an angle of orientation wherein the angle of orientation is preselected to distinguish the domain states of the data storage layer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
43 words
The multiple bit magnetic memory cell of claim 1, wherein each domain state is defined by a resulting vector from a set of vectors which represent an orientation of magnetization in each end region and an orientation of magnetization in the interior region.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The multiple bit magnetic memory cell of claim 1, wherein the angle of orientation is selected to distinguish three domain states in the data storage layer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The multiple bit magnetic memory cell of claim 1, wherein the angle of orientation is selected to distinguish four domain states in the data storage layer.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
The multiple bit magnetic memory cell of claim 1, wherein the angle of orientation is selected to yield a substantially equal change in a resistance of the magnetic memory cell between domain states.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
The multiple bit magnetic memory cell of claim 1, wherein each of a set of logic states of the magnetic memory cell corresponds to a particular one of the domain states of the data storage layer.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
41 words
The multiple bit magnetic memory cell of claim 6, wherein a particular logic state of the magnetic memory cell is written by applying a sequence of external magnetic fields to cause the data storage layer to switch between the domain states.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
114 words
A magnetic memory, comprising: array of magnetic memory cells, each comprising a data storage layer having a shape which is preselected to provide at least three domain states wherein each domain state corresponds to a particular orientation of magnetization in the data storage layer, and wherein the shape is a square having four end regions and an interior region, each magnetic memory cell further comprising a reference layer having a fixed orientation of magnetization which is defined by an angle of orientation wherein the angle of orientation is preselected to distinguish the domain states of the data storage layer; a set of conductors that enable read and write access to the magnetic memory cells.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
114 words
A magnetic memory, comprising: array of magnetic memory cells, each comprising a data storage layer having a shape which is preselected to provide at least three domain states wherein each domain state corresponds to a particular orientation of magnetization in the data storage layer, and wherein the shape is a square having four end regions and an interior region, each magnetic memory cell further comprising a reference layer having a fixed orientation of magnetization which is defined by an angle of orientation wherein the angle of orientation is preselected to distinguish the domain states of the data storage layer; a set of conductors that enable read and write access to the magnetic memory cells.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
40 words
The magnetic memory of claim 8, wherein each domain state is defined by a resulting vector from a set of vectors which represent an orientation of magnetization in each end region and an orientation of magnetization in the interior region.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
23 words
The magnetic memory of claim 8, wherein the angle of orientation is selected to distinguish three domain states in the data storage layer.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
The magnetic memory of claim 8, wherein the angle of orientation is selected to distinguish four domain states in the data storage layer.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
30 words
The magnetic memory of claim 8, wherein the angle of orientation is selected to yield a substantially equal change in a resistance of each magnetic memory cell between domain states.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
33 words
The magnetic memory of claim 8, wherein each of a set of logic states of each magnetic memory cell corresponds to a particular one of the domain states of the data storage layer.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
38 words
The magnetic memory of claim 13, wherein a particular logic state of each magnetic memory cell is written by applying a sequence of external magnetic fields to cause the data storage layer to switch between the domain states.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
22 words
The magnetic memory of claim 14, wherein the sequence of external magnetic fields are applied by applying electrical currents to the conductors.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
21 words
The magnetic memory of claim 14, wherein the conductors include a set of top conductors and a set of bottom conductors.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
38 words
The magnetic memory of claim 16, wherein the sequence of external magnetic fields are applied by applying an electrical current to one of the top conductors and then applying an electrical current to one of the bottom conductors.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
38 words
The magnetic memory of claim 16, wherein the sequence of external magnetic fields are applied by applying an electrical current to one of the bottom conductors and then applying an electrical current to one of the top conductors.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-06-27 | 2003-12-27 | 2004-06-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-06-27 | 2007-12-27 | 2008-06-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-06-27 | 2011-12-27 | 2012-06-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |