Multi-function resonant tunneling logic gate and method of performing binary and multi-valued logic
AssigneeTexas Instruments Incorporated
InventorsGary A. Frazier, Alan C. Seabaugh
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A multi-function resonant tunneling logic gate is provided in which a resonant tunneling transistor (12) includes a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal. A plurality of signal inputs are coupled to the first terminal of the resonant tunneling transistor (12) through a summer (10). Furthermore, a biasing input is operable to apply a bias to the first terminal of resonant tunneling transistor (12) such that the transfer characteristic of the resonant tunneling transistor (12) can be shifted relative to the signal inputs.
Claims25
A multi-function resonant tunneling logic gate, comprising:
- a resonant tunneling transistor having a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal, said resonant tunneling transistor with a transfer characteristic;
- a summer coupled to said first terminal;
- a plurality of logic inputs coupled to said summer;
- and
- a biasing input coupled to apply a bias to said first terminal, wherein said transfer characteristic can be shifted relative to said logic inputs by changing said bias at said biasing input.
A multi-function resonant tunneling logic gate for use in multi-value logic systems, comprising:
- a first resonant tunneling transistor having a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal, said first resonant tunneling transistor characterized by a transfer characteristic;
- current limiting circuitry operable to limit current through said first resonant tunneling transistor such that a plurality of voltage levels can be output from said first resonant tunneling transistor;
- a summer coupled to said first terminal;
- a plurality of signal inputs coupled to said summer;
- and
- a biasing input operable to apply a bias to said first terminal, such that said transfer characteristic can be shifted relative to said signal inputs by changing said bias on said biasing input.
A method of performing multi-function logic, comprising the steps of:
- summing a plurality of signal inputs:
- inputting the summed signal inputs to a resonant tunneling transistor having a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal, the resonant tunneling transistor characterized by a transfer characteristic;
- biasing the first terminal of the resonant tunneling transistor, such that the transfer characteristic can be shifted relative to the signal inputs by changing the bias.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.