Capacitive Logic Cell Using Variable Resistance to Cut Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing logic cells based on variable-capacitance capacitors face challenges due to complex manufacture and large space requirements, limiting their scalability and efficiency in electronic circuits.
Innovation Solution
A logic cell design incorporating a first capacitor connected to a supply voltage node and a floating output node, with a series association of a second capacitor and a variable-resistance element, which can be a MOS transistor or electromechanical relay, to control input logic signals, reducing the need for variable-capacitance capacitors and enhancing compactness and ease of manufacture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If variable-capacitance capacitors are used in logic cells, then low electrical consumption is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter from variable capacitance to variable resistance. Instead of using capacitors with variable capacitance values, the invention uses resistors with variable resistance values controlled by control voltages, thereby maintaining low power consumption while simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the electromechanical variable-capacitance capacitor system with an electrical variable-resistance system. This replacement eliminates the need for complex mechanical or electromechanical structures while achieving the same logic functionality through resistance modulation controlled by voltage signals.
2Use of energy by moving object
If variable-capacitance capacitors are used in logic cells, then low electrical consumption is achieved, but the space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter from variable capacitance to variable resistance, allowing for more compact component design. The variable-resistance elements require less physical space compared to variable-capacitance capacitors while maintaining the low electrical consumption characteristic.
3Ease of manufacture
If classic transistor-based logic circuits are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but leakage currents increase electrical consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the transistor-based switching mechanism with a variable-resistance mechanism. This substitution eliminates the leakage currents inherent in transistor junctions while maintaining ease of manufacture, as the variable-resistance elements can be implemented using standard resistive materials and structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the leakage current problem from classic transistor logic by removing the transistor component entirely. The variable-resistance based logic cells operate without the junction leakage that plagues traditional transistor circuits, achieving near-zero static power consumption.
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 design minimizes electrical consumption, eliminates leakage currents, and allows for the creation of logic circuits with reduced complexity and size, while maintaining low electrical consumption and efficient logic operations.
Implementation Method 1
a first variable-resistance element (11) having a control electrode (13) adapted to receive a control voltage in order to make its resistance vary
Implementation Method 2
a first capacitor (1) connected between an application node (a1) for applying a supply voltage (phi n) of the cell and a floating node (s1) for providing an output logic signal (VOUT) of the cell
Data Source
AI summary
A logic cell, including a first capacitor connected between an application node for applying a supply voltage of the cell and a floating node for providing an output logic signal of the cell, and, connected in parallel with the first capacitor, an association in series of a second capacitor and a first variable-resistance element, the first variable-resistance element including a control electrode connected to an application node for applying a first input logic signal of the cell.