A 16 Kb Spin-Transfer Torque Random Access Memory with Self-Enable Switching and Precharge Sensing Schemes

Abstract

Spin-transfer torque magnetic random access memory (STT-MRAM) is considered one of the most promising non-volatile memory candidates thanks to its excellent performance in terms of access speed, endurance, and compatibility to CMOS. However, high power supply voltage is required in the conventional STT-MRAM writing circuit, which results in high power consumption (e.g., ∼10pJ/bit). In addition, it suffers from stochastic switching behavior and process voltage temperature variations. These make power-efficient and reliable write/read circuits become critical challenges. In this paper, we present novel circuits and architectures to build a 16 kb STT-MRAM design with low power and high reliability. For example, the self-enable switching scheme reduces the power consumption effectively and the fore-placed sense amplifier improves the robustness to process variation. Using an accurate compact model of 65 nm STT-MRAM and a commercial CMOS design kit, mixed transient and statistical simulations have been performed to validate this design.