NU 2011-127 

Inventors

Nikhil Rangaraja

Bruce Wessels*

Yehea Ismail

Joseph Friedman

Abstract

Diode logic has historically been impractical due to the inability of a diode to behave as an inverter. As inversion is a necessary function of a complete logic family, diodes, previous to these results, could only perform complex logic functions in concert with transistors. The recent invention of the magnetoresistive spin-diode solves this problem , as these spin-diodes can be used individually as inverters, permitting the development of a complete diode logic family . We have invented a novel self-contained and self-consistent logic family based on a magnetoresistive semiconductor heterojunction diode. In these diodes, which operate at room temperature, the application of a magnetic field results in a large decrease in conductance. This property is applied to cascade devices such that the diode currents generate magnetic fields across other diodes, permitting the creation of a family of logical functions. This logic family can be used to produce circuits composed of significantly fewer devices than conventional CMOS circuits, and exhibits potential for reduced power and delay. 

Applications

• Logic circuits

Advantages

• Fewer devices than traditional CMOS
• Less power consumption
• Smaller footprint circuitry

IP Status

Issued US Patent No. 8,912,821