ITRI and TSMC Join Forces to Propel High-Speed Computing with SOT-MRAM Innovation

ITRI and TSMC have joined forces to develop a highly efficient spin-orbit-torque magnetic random-access memory (SOT-MRAM) chip, with potential applications in high-performance computing, AI, and automotive chips, solidifying Taiwan's position as a leader in the semiconductor industry.

Groundbreaking partnership between ITRI and TSMC
Innovative computing in memory architecture
Consumes only 1% of the power compared to other MRAM products

In a groundbreaking partnership, the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) have embarked on a pioneering research project focused on spin-orbit-torque magnetic random-access memory (SOT-MRAM) array chips. These chips feature an innovative computing in memory architecture and consume a mere one percent of the power compared to spin-transfer torque magnetic random-access memory (STT-MRAM) products. The fruits of their collaboration were recently unveiled in a research paper jointly presented at the prestigious 2023 IEEE International Electron Devices Meeting (IEDM 2023), solidifying their position at the forefront of next-generation memory technologies.

Dr. Shih-Chieh Chang, General Director of Electronic and Optoelectronic System Research Laboratories at ITRI, emphasized the remarkable achievements resulting from this collaboration. “Building upon our co-authored papers presented at last year’s Symposium on VLSI Technology and Circuits, we have successfully co-developed a SOT-MRAM unit cell,” Chang explained. “This unit cell not only achieves exceptional power efficiency and high-speed operation, with speeds as fast as 10 nanoseconds, but also exhibits enhanced computing performance when integrated with computing in memory circuit design. Looking ahead, this technology holds immense potential for applications in high-performance computing (HPC), artificial intelligence (AI), automotive chips, and more.”

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI), 5G, and AIoT has fueled an urgent need for faster processing capabilities, necessitating new memory solutions that offer improved speed, stability, and energy efficiency. The successful collaboration between ITRI and TSMC not only propels the development of next-generation memory technology but also bolsters Taiwan’s competitive advantage in the global semiconductor industry.

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Background Information

About TSMC: TSMC, or Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, is a semiconductor foundry based in Taiwan. Established in 1987, TSMC is a prominent player in the global semiconductor industry, specializing in the manufacturing of semiconductor wafers for a wide range of clients, including technology companies and chip designers. The company is known for its cutting-edge semiconductor fabrication processes and plays a critical role in advancing semiconductor technology worldwide.