Simulation and Modeling of Racetrack Memories With VCMA Synchronization

Abstract

The control of the motion of magnetic domains is of crucial interest for the development of several spintronic applications, such as high-density racetrack memories and domain wall logic. In these devices, domain wall manipulation can be achieved via pulsed currents or applying external fields. However, real-world applications require accurate signal synchronization systems, keeping limited the power budget. Up to now, geometrical restrictions in the magnetic wire, known as notches, were used to confine domain walls at the expense of high resolution of the fabrication process. The solution based on the Voltage-Controlled Magnetic Anisotropy (VCMA) effect appears more promising—it is successful for controlling the skyrmion motion—avoids the need for strong depinning currents, simplifies the fabrication process, and gives more freedom in the control logic. The anisotropy variation induced by the VCMA can create barriers or wells that can be used to limit the movement of domain walls and obtain an effective synchronization. In this article, we propose a system-level evaluation of the effectiveness of the proposed VCMA synchronization method. Starting from a two-coordinates model, the motion of domain walls, the performance, and the efficiency of the approach are evaluated. We modeled the delay using SPICE. The VCMA showed clear advantages in the realization of the confinement structure at the system level with respect to the notch solution.