Feasibility Study on Magnetic Content Addressable Memory

Abstract

The objective of this project is to investigate the feasibility of the novel magnetic content addressable memory (MCAM) design. The proposed MCAM is to integrate the data storage function and logic function together by using the Magnetic Tunneling Junction (MTJ). The major challenge is to individually program the two ferromagnets in MTJ which are separated by 2 nm. Our approach is to use layer thickness difference and magnetic field confinement within the ferromagnetic materials for programming. We used LLO micro-magnetic simulator to investigate the feasibility of the proposed MCAM operation. The feasibility studies covers both Cobalt and Permalloy based devices. The simulated structures included ideal "picture frame" structure" as well as structures with non-ideal parts which can be introduced during fabrication. In all cases, the simulation results indicate that the MCAM can operate as expected. There are some vortex states introduced in non-ideal structures. However, the read currents are orders of magnitude below threshold current for domain wall movement. The MCAM is expected to work with those non-ideal structures.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 10, 2007
Accession Number
ADA468138

Entities

People

  • Weizhong Wang

Organizations

  • University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Sensors

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Computer Programming
  • Computer Science
  • Computers
  • Content Addressable Memory
  • Data Storage Systems
  • Domain Walls
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Electronic Mail
  • Engineering
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Ferromagnetic Materials
  • Magnetic Fields
  • Materials
  • Quantum Tunneling
  • Simulations
  • Simulators
  • Tunneling

Readers

  • Criminal Law
  • Integrated Circuit Design and Technology.
  • Quantum spin resonance or Electron Paramagnetic Resonance spectroscopy.