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SBIR Phase II: Structures for reduced critical current to enable Spin Torque Magnetoresistive Random Access Memory

Award Information
Agency: National Science Foundation
Branch: N/A
Contract: 1058552
Agency Tracking Number: 1058552
Amount: $499,347.00
Phase: Phase II
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: Phase II
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2011
Award Year: 2011
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2011-04-01
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2013-03-31
Small Business Information
1300 N. Alma School Rd.
Chandler, AZ 85224-2939
United States
DUNS: 827379806
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Nicholas Rizzo
 (480) 347-1158
 nick.rizzo@everspin.com
Business Contact
 Nicholas Rizzo
Title: PhD
Phone: (480) 347-1158
Email: nick.rizzo@everspin.com
Research Institution
 Stub
Abstract

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to demonstrate a high-performance spin torque magnetoresistive random access memory (ST-MRAM). ST-MRAM technology promises a powerful combination of non-volatility, high density, high speed, and low power. The major impediment to commercializing ST-MRAM has been that the write current for programming the magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) bits are too large. Large write current can cause tunnel barrier breakdown, thereby compromising memory reliability. Additionally, large write current requires large select transistors beneath each bit, preventing high density. In Phase I project, an MTJ bit design with a low enough write current has been successfully demonstrated. In this Phase II project, a large, high-density ST-MRAM demonstration circuit will be developed using this improved bit design. Several novel circuit design approaches that have potential for higher speed, higher density and lower power will be evaluated. The circuit will provide the bit statistics needed to optimize the bit design and enhance the yield to the level required for a highly reliable commercial ST-MRAM. The broader/commercial impacts of this project will be the potential to enable the commercial applications of ST-MRAM. The Toggle MRAM is already finding many applications in the stand-alone memory market including networking, industrial controls, data server systems, military, aerospace industry etc. However, in order for MRAM to achieve its full commercial potential, higher density and lower power consumption are needed. High density translates to lower cost. Reducing power consumption is increasingly valued in areas such as portable electronics or even enterprise computing. ST-MRAM technology has the potential to meet these needs by combining non-volatility, high density, high speed, low power, unlimited endurance, and scalability in a single memory.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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