June 2011

Digikey, an electronic conponents distributer now lists Everspin's MR2A16 4Mb MRAM chips. Prices range from $30.5 down to $20.98 (if you buy 500 or more units). 

EverSpin MR2A16 Chips

Crocus developed a new technology called Magnetic-Logic-Unit (MLU), which is an evolution of their Thermally Assisted Switching (TAS) technology. MLU allows for practical implementation of advanced logic and memory capabilities - which will enable new applications in high density data storage, secure commerce and communications, high performance network processing and high temperature automotive and industrial markets.

Crocus' MLU provides stability to the stored data in normal operation. The MLU's reference leayer can be configured in three ways:

• With Fixed magnetization to implement a traditional NOR function
• With floating magnetization to implement a NAND function
• With driven magnetization to implement an XOR function, which ultra-secure compare and encrypt function.

NEC Corporation and Tohoku University have developed an MRAM based CAM (content addressable memory) that includes non-volatile storage by using the vertical magnetization of vertical domain wall elements in a cobalt-nickel active layer. They call this Spin-CAM.

NEC and Tohoku built a 16-kbit Spin-CAM prototype chip (using a 90-nm process). This chip features 5 ns search cycle time, 200-microamps write current and a 6.6 square micron memory cell. Such a CAM may be used to create instant-on electronics and zero-electricity standby modes.