Design of reconfigurable logic circuits based on single-layer magnetic-tunnel-junction elements

Abstract

Magnetologic using magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) elements is one of the most promising logic technologies owing to its ease of integration and non-volatility. A magnetologic structure consisting of a single-layer MTJ and a current driver has been proposed by the same authors, which can provide enhanced functional flexibility and uniformity while requiring fewer fabrication steps. In this study, various merits of magnetologic using single-layer MTJ elements are fully exploited for the design of a reconfigurable logic device. A design of a reconfigurable 3-bit counter using single-layer MTJ is presented, which can be programmed to operate as a gray counter, an up counter, or a down counter. The functional correctness is verified by HSPICE simulation based on an HSPICE macromodel of MTJ that we have developed for a magnetologic design. © 2008 The Japan Society of Applied Physics.