NU 2011-023

Inventors

Nikhil Rangaraju

Bruce Wessels*

Abstract

Northwestern researchers use magnetic semiconductor devices as building blocks for programmable logic architecture. Using magnetic diodes and transistors we have shown the possibility of programmable gates. Changing a gate using magnetic fields that are generated using currents creates many unique capabilities. One such capability is the possibility of an inversion operation using a diode. Diode logic using conventional semiconductor devices is incomplete as none of the inverted gates can be achieved. They show the possibility of a complete logic using one or more of these magnetic diodes.

Applications

• Field programmable logic
• Logic and memory implementation on a single chip
• Low power logic
• Specialized chips for power electronics

Advantages

• High speed
• Ease of fabrication
• Combining logic and memory

IP Status

Issued US Patent No 8,552,759