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Is MRAM more expensive to manufacture than ReRAM?

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The cost of manufacturing MRAM (Magnetoresistive Random Access Memory) versus ReRAM (Resistive Random Access Memory) can vary based on several factors, including the maturity of the technology, the scale of production, and the specific materials and processes used. Generally, MRAM has been historically more expensive to manufacture compared to ReRAM, but the landscape is continually evolving.

Factors Influencing Manufacturing Costs:

1. Materials and Fabrication:

   • MRAM: Requires complex materials and fabrication processes involving magnetic layers and intricate etching processes, which can drive up costs.
   • ReRAM: Typically involves simpler materials and processes, such as metal oxides, making it potentially less expensive to produce.

2. Technology Maturity:

   • MRAM: Has been in development for a longer period and has seen significant investments in research, which has driven down some costs, but the complexity remains a challenge.
   • ReRAM: While newer, it benefits from simpler structures and is often seen as easier to integrate into existing semiconductor fabs.

3. Production Scale:

   • Economies of scale play a crucial role. As production volumes increase, the per-unit cost of both technologies can decrease. Currently, neither technology has achieved the same scale as traditional flash memory, impacting their cost competitiveness.

4. Yield Rates:

   • Manufacturing yield rates, which refer to the percentage of non-defective products produced, can significantly affect costs. MRAM's more complex fabrication can lead to lower yields compared to ReRAM, potentially increasing costs.

Cost Comparison:

• MRAM: Generally, MRAM is more expensive to manufacture due to the complexity of its magnetic tunneling junctions and the sophisticated processes required for its production. Reports indicate that the cost can be mitigated with high-volume production, but it still tends to be higher compared to more traditional memory technologies .

• ReRAM: Typically seen as more cost-effective to manufacture due to its simpler structure and easier integration with existing semiconductor processes. It has the potential to be cheaper in large-scale production compared to MRAM .

Current Trends:

• MRAM: Companies like Everspin and GlobalFoundries are working to reduce costs through advanced manufacturing techniques and increasing production volumes.
• ReRAM: Companies such as Crossbar and Adesto (now part of Dialog Semiconductor) are focusing on improving manufacturing processes to further reduce costs and enhance scalability.

Conclusion:

While MRAM has certain advantages in terms of speed and endurance, its manufacturing complexity tends to make it more expensive than ReRAM. However, as both technologies continue to evolve and scale up, the cost dynamics may change, potentially making both more competitive with traditional memory technologies.