English

Write error rate of spin-transfer-torque random access memory including micromagnetic effects using rare event enhancement

Data Analysis, Statistics and Probability 2017-05-10 v2 Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics Statistical Mechanics

Abstract

Spin-transfer-torque random access memory (STT-RAM) is a promising candidate for the next-generation of random-access-memory due to improved scalability, read-write speeds and endurance. However, the write pulse duration must be long enough to ensure a low write error rate (WER), the probability that a bit will remain unswitched after the write pulse is turned off, in the presence of stochastic thermal effects. WERs on the scale of 109^{-9} or lower are desired. Within a macrospin approximation, WERs can be calculated analytically using the Fokker-Planck method to this point and beyond. However, dynamic micromagnetic effects within the bit can affect and lead to faster switching. Such micromagnetic effects can be addressed via numerical solution of the stochastic Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert-Slonczewski (LLGS) equation. However, determining WERs approaching 109^{-9} would require well over 109^{9} such independent simulations, which is infeasible. In this work, we explore calculation of WER using "rare event enhancement" (REE), an approach that has been used for Monte Carlo simulation of other systems where rare events nevertheless remain important. Using a prototype REE approach tailored to the STT-RAM switching physics, we demonstrate reliable calculation of a WER to 109^{-9} with sets of only approximately 103^{3} ongoing stochastic LLGS simulations, and the apparent ability to go further.

Cite

@article{arxiv.1603.08512,
  title  = {Write error rate of spin-transfer-torque random access memory including micromagnetic effects using rare event enhancement},
  author = {Urmimala Roy and Tanmoy Pramanik and Leonard F. Register and Sanjay K. Banerjee},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1603.08512},
  year   = {2017}
}

Comments

7 pages, 5 figures

R2 v1 2026-06-22T13:19:55.509Z