SPINAPPS · Spin Torque Oscillators for Wireless and Radar Applications
FP7 — People (Marie Curie Actions)
- Duration
- 2008-03-01 → 2012-02-29
- EU contribution
- €519,776
- Participants
- 2
- Scheme
- MC-IAPP
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Results in brief
Spin Torque Oscillators for Wireless and Radar Applications
Wireless devices generally utilise a classical inductor-capacitor (LC) circuit with on-chip inductors and capacitors. The size and shape of the inductor typically defines the characteristics of the oscillator. As a consequence, its size cannot be scaled down with its surrounding microelectronic devices (e.g. transistors). The inductor is thus a bottleneck for further miniaturisation. The core technology of the SPINAPPS project is a novel inductor-free oscillator technology, the so-called spin torque oscillator (STO). However, this novel technology also has its challenges. The output power is still below the necessary requirements and both frequency stability (phase noise) and frequency control need to be better addressed. SPINAPPS brought together a French mmall and medium enterprise (SME), SpinRoc SAS, and a world leading research institution, The Royal Institute of Technology (KTH). Both partners are active in the research and development of STOs. The goal of SPINAPPS was to transfer both vital scientific / technical knowledge and market-driven business needs. The project seconded people between Sweden and France and between the academic and industrial sectors. The project has now ended and successfully completed all its work packages (WPs) and milestones. Highlights include the following: - The realisation of a Cadence based simulation environment where STO circuits can be simulated with active and passive devices in any semiconductor technology that Cadence can support. The impact on STOs of known semiconductor noise and temperature dependence can hence be investigated and novel circuit solutions can be tried out for enhanced STO performance. - A thorough analysis of which application spaces the STO has the most potential for and in which emerging ultra-high frequency ranges it might do particularly well. - The development and optimisation of a highly robust nano-contact STO process on 4'' Si wafers. - Demonstration of single and synchronised nano-contact STOs, both in-plane magnetised and out-of-plane magnetised devices with different material choices and nano-contact geometries. - Design of two types of stand-alone STO demonstrators: a first based on MTJ-STOs on a PCB, and a second based on GMR-STOs inside an electromagnet package with substantial frequency tunability using both magnetic field and current. The obtained results have been extremely valuable to the competitiveness of the consortium partners and has had a profound impact on their ongoing and future activity within this research field and technology area. The results are also expected to serve as an inspiration well outside the consortium. Both partners have benefited from the other partner's network and have been able to established new contacts both in France and in Sweden.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
Nanoelectronics will pave the way for industrial innovation in Europe in the next decade, and novel nanoelectronics areas such as spintronics offers solutions to many current problems by means of smaller, lighter, faster and better performing materials, components and systems. Applied spintronics is expected to make some essential contributions to solving increasingly acute problems of miniaturization in the wireless marketplace. It promises to deliver wireless devices that combine all common radio standards while keep power consumption to a minimum. It makes possible life-saving vehicle radar systems at a fraction of the prize of today’s systems. A huge positive impact on the safety and security of the European citizen is expected. The core technology of our SpinApps proposal is the Spin Torque Oscillator (STO). By utilizing a novel technology similar to that used in the recently introduced magnetoresistive read access memory (MRAM), a sub-micron radio frequency oscillator can be realized, with a wide operating frequency range and without any of the limitations of the classical oscillator circuit. This IAPP project bring together highly driven Euroepan researchers and engineers from Sweden's largest technological university and a laureated French start-up company. This unique combination offers the possibility to bridge the gap between laboratory demonstrations and commercial applications. It connects two different regions, two different sectors and promotes knowledge transfer across both borders. The SpinApps IAPP is the kind of project that Europe needs to stay competitive through constant innovation. Where large companies often cannot introduce the necessary disruptive technologies, SMEs and start-up companies must collaborate with universities to fill in in their place.
Original text from CORDIS.
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Data: CORDIS, © European Union