Ambipolar 2D Floating-Gate Logic for Reconfigurable Transistors

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional reconfigurable transistors are complex due to multiple gate terminals, limiting integration density and efficiency, and three-dimensional transistor integration is hindered by heat generation and vertical layer stacking limitations.

Innovation Solution

A reconfigurable electronic device using an ambipolar two-dimensional semiconductor with a control gate, floating gate, tunneling layer, and channel layer, allowing charge type and concentration adjustment via program voltage, and a logic device composed of multiple such devices for enhanced integration and operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional reconfigurable transistors use multiple gate terminals to achieve reconfigurability, then operational flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases and integration density decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidcircuit configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single gate terminal that can perform multiple functions by adjusting its electrical characteristics. The gate electrode serves as both a control gate for transistor operation and a programming electrode for memory functionality, eliminating the need for separate gate terminals while achieving reconfigurability between different operational modes (transistor switch, memory cell, logic gate)

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the control gate and floating gate into a single gate electrode structure. This unified gate terminal combines the functions of conventional multi-gate transistors into one component, simplifying the circuit configuration while maintaining the ability to perform various logical operations through electrical characteristic adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Quantity of substance

If three-dimensional integrated circuits stack electronic devices vertically to increase integration density, then device integration density is improved, but heat generation increases and vertical layer stacking is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice integration densityVSAvoidheat generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges memory and transistor functions into a single reconfigurable device, reducing the number of separate vertical layers needed in 3D integration. This consolidation decreases the overall vertical stack height and reduces heat generation from multiple independent devices, while maintaining high integration density through the multi-functional nature of each device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Quantity of substance

If silicon semiconductor transistors are miniaturized to increase device integration density, then device integration density is improved, but short-channel effects increase and physical limits are reached

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice integration densityVSAvoidshort-channel effect suppression
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from conventional silicon semiconductor to two-dimensional semiconductor material (such as MoS2, WSe2, or black phosphorus). This material substitution enables effective suppression of short-channel effects even at miniaturized dimensions while maintaining high device integration density, as the two-dimensional nature of these materials provides superior electrostatic control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The device achieves efficient memory and transistor functions with high charge mobility, suppresses short-channel effects, and performs various logical operations, enhancing integration density and operational flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

a tunneling layer that is formed on the floating gate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectQuantum tunneling:

Data Source

PatentEP4694613A1Reconfigurable electronic device using ambipolar two-dimensional semiconductor, method for manufacturing same, and logic device using same
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 SEOUL NATIONAL UNIVERSITY R&DB FOUNDATION
  • EP4694613A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4694613A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4694613A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A reconfigurable electronic device that may perform various operations by adjusting the type and concentration of a charge stored in a floating gate, and a manufacturing method thereof and a logic device using thereof, are provided. Such reconfigurable electronic device comprises a control gate; a floating gate that is formed on the control gate and that is electrically insulated from surroundings; a tunnelling layer that is formed on the floating gate; a channel layer that is formed on the tunnelling layer and that is composed of the ambipolar two-dimensional semiconductor; and a first electrode and a second electrode, that are formed on the channel layer to be spaced apart from each other. Here, the channel layer has any one characteristics of a conductor, an n-type semiconductor, an insulator and a p-type semiconductor depending on the polarity and magnitude of a program voltage applied to the control gate.