Write Disturbance Modeling and Testing for MRAM

The magnetic random access memory (MRAM) is considered one of the potential candidates that will replace current on-chip memories (RAM, EEPROM, and flash memory) in the future. The MRAM is fast and does not need a high supply voltage for read/write operations, and is compatible with the CMOS technology. It can also endure almost unlimited read/write cycles. These combined advantages of RAM and flash memory make it a potential choice for SOC. In this paper, we present the write disturbance fault (WDF) model for MRAM, i.e., a fault that affects the data stored in the MRAM cells due to excessive magnetic field during the write operation. We also construct the SPICE macro model for the magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ) device of the toggle MRAM to obtain circuit simulation results. We then present an MRAM fault simulator called RAMSES-M, based on which we derive the shortest test for the proposed WDF model. The test is shown to be better and more robust as compared with the conventional March C-test algorithm. We also present a March 17 N diagnosis algorithm for identifying WDF. A 1 Mb MRAM chip has been designed and fabricated using a CMOS-based 0.18-mum technology. The proposed WDF model is justified by chip measurement results, with the march test results reported. Finally, specific MRAM fault behavior and test issues are discussed.