Back to results
US 5,159,661 AGranted
Vertically interconnected parallel distributed processor
AssigneeEnergy Conversion Devices, Inc.
InventorsStanford R. Ovshinsky, Guy Wicker
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A parallel distributed processor comprises matrices of unit cells arranged in a stacked configuration. Each unit cell includes a chalcogenide body which may be set and reset to a plurality of values of a given physical property. Interconnections between the unit cells are established via the chalcogenide materials and the pattern and strength of the interconnections is determined by the set values of the chalcogenide. The processor is readily adapted to the construction of neural network computing systems.
Claims33
A parallel processing network comprising:
- (A) means for a parallel input of a plurality of data;
- and
- (B) parallel distributed processing means operative to receive and process said parallel input of said plurality of data, said processing means including:
- (1) a three-dimensional array of stacked planes of a plurality of unit cells;
- each of said unit cells is a single repetition of a repetitive, three-dimensional electrically interconnected pattern;
- each unit cell including:
- (a) data input means;
- (b) data output means;
- and
- (c) a body of chalcogenide based material which is characterized by the capability of being selectively and reversibly set to any particular distinguishable value within a range of distinguishable values of a given physical property, said body of chalcogenide material disposed so as to establish communication between said data input means and said data output means;
- and
- (2) means for establishing communication between the data output means of a first one of said unit cells in a first one of said stacked planes and the data input means of a second one of said unit cells in a second one of said stacked planes, said communication occurring through the body of chalcogenide based material of at least one of said unit cells, whereby the strength of the connection between said first and second unit cells is determined by the particular distinguishable value, within said range of distinguishable values of said physical property, to which the body of chalcogenide material, through which said communication occurs, is set.
9 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.