4-State Spin Logic with Spin Channels for Higher Logic Density

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current Boolean logic in digital computers is limited by its two-level nature, restricting logic gate density, interconnect bandwidth, and memory states, which hinders further advancements in electronic computation.

Innovation Solution

The development of a 4-state spin logic system using 4-state magnets with unique magnetic orientations, allowing for four distinct logic states separated by high energy barriers, enabling more complex logic operations and increased interconnect states through the use of spin channels and matched spacers, and employing Spin Orbit Coupling for efficient signal transduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If Boolean logic with two-level system is used, then simplicity of logic operations is maintained, but logic gate density and interconnect bandwidth are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelogic gate densityVSAvoidlogic operation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a two-level Boolean logic system to a multi-level spin logic system by introducing additional dimensions of magnetic orientation. Instead of binary 0/1 states, the system uses magnetic moments oriented in different directions (e.g., in-plane and out-of-plane orientations) to represent multiple logic states, thereby increasing logic gate density and interconnect bandwidth without sacrificing operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter representation from binary voltage levels to multi-level magnetic orientation states. By utilizing magnetic anisotropy to create stable magnetic states with different orientations, the system enables multiple logic states per logic element, directly increasing device complexity and information content while maintaining clear distinguishable states for logic operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If multi-state magnets are used, then logic gate density and interconnect bandwidth increase, but energy barriers between states must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterconnect bandwidthVSAvoidstate separation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates magnetic anisotropy energy barriers as pre-established protective mechanisms between different magnetic states. These energy barriers act as cushioning that prevents accidental transitions between states, ensuring reliable state separation while allowing the system to utilize multiple stable magnetic orientations for increased interconnect bandwidth and logic density

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite magnetic structures with engineered magnetic anisotropy properties to achieve both multi-state capability and stable state separation. By designing magnetic materials or structures with specific anisotropy characteristics, the system maintains high energy barriers between states for reliability while enabling multiple distinguishable orientations for increased productivity and interconnect bandwidth

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Speed

If spin transfer based circuits are used, then magnetic switching is achieved, but switching speed and energy consumption are suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching speedVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces spin transfer torque (STT) mechanisms with spin orbit coupling (SOC) based switching mechanisms. Instead of relying on spin-polarized current transfer that requires high current densities and consumes significant energy, the system utilizes spin-orbit interaction in magnetic tunnel junctions to achieve magnetic switching with lower energy consumption and faster switching speeds through tunneling magnetoresistance effects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enhances logic gate density and interconnect bandwidth, enabling more complex computations and reducing errors, while providing faster switching speeds and lower energy consumption compared to traditional spin transfer based circuits.

Implementation Method 1

4-state magnets with unique magnetic orientations, allowing for four distinct logic states separated by high energy barriers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic anisotropy: Anisotropy

Implementation Method 2

The spin logic device includes an output 4-state magnet, a spin channel between the input 4-state magnet and the output 4-state magnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpin transport:

Implementation Method 3

The spin logic device includes a tunnel barrier between the input 4-state magnet and the output 4-state magnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectQuantum tunneling:

Implementation Method 4

employing Spin Orbit Coupling for efficient signal transduction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpin orbit coupling:

Data Source

PatentUS11990899B2Multi-level spin logic
Publication Date: 2024.05.21 INTEL CORP
  • US11990899B2 patent drawing
  • US11990899B2 patent drawing
  • US11990899B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Described is an apparatus which comprises: a 4-state input magnet; a first spin channel region adjacent to the 4-state input magnet; a 4-state output magnet; a second spin channel region adjacent to the 4-state input and output magnets; and a third spin channel region adjacent to the 4-state output magnet. Described in an apparatus which comprises: a 4-state input magnet; a first filter layer adjacent to the 4-state input magnet; a first spin channel region adjacent to the first filter layer; a 4-state output magnet; a second filter layer adjacent to the 4-state output magnet; a second spin channel region adjacent to the first and second filter layers; and a third spin channel region adjacent to the second filter layer.