Correlated Electron Switch Impedance Tuning for Process Variation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Integrated circuit manufacturing processes exhibit variations that affect the performance and reliability of electronic switching devices, leading to issues such as power consumption, scalability, and cost, with existing technologies struggling to compensate for these variations effectively.

Innovation Solution

The use of correlated electron switch (CES) devices with programmable impedance characteristics, which can be individually adjusted by controlling voltage and current levels to compensate for manufacturing process variations, thereby improving performance and reducing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional electronic switching devices are used in integrated circuits, then manufacturing processes can be simplified, but manufacturing process variations cause performance and reliability degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process variation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing correlated electron materials that can dynamically change their electrical resistance state between high and low states. This allows the device to compensate for manufacturing variations by adjusting its operational parameters (resistance state) rather than relying on precise manufacturing control. The material's inherent ability to switch between states provides a mechanism to overcome initial fabrication imperfections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements dynamics by using correlated electron materials whose electrical properties are not fixed but can be dynamically switched between high and low resistance states. This dynamic characteristic allows the device to adapt to manufacturing variations in real-time, improving reliability without requiring ultra-precise manufacturing. The system transitions from static to dynamic behavior to compensate for fabrication imperfections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If manufacturing precision is improved to reduce process variation, then device reliability improves, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than improving manufacturing precision through more complex processes, the patent changes the operational parameters of the device itself. By using correlated electron materials that can switch between high and low resistance states, the system compensates for manufacturing variations through parameter adjustment rather than through enhanced manufacturing control, thereby avoiding increased manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The correlated electron material provides self-service by automatically compensating for manufacturing variations through its intrinsic ability to switch between resistance states. The material self-adjusts its electrical properties to overcome fabrication imperfections without requiring external correction mechanisms or complex manufacturing processes, thereby maintaining simplicity while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Use of energy by moving object

If power consumption is reduced in electronic switching devices, then energy efficiency improves, but performance and reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddevice performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent exploits phase transitions in correlated electron materials, specifically the transition between high and low resistance states. These transitions allow the device to operate with lower power consumption because the material inherently switches between states with minimal energy input compared to conventional switches. The phase transition mechanism provides both low power operation and reliable performance through the material's intrinsic properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

By changing the operational parameters to utilize correlated electron materials with switchable resistance states, the system achieves lower power consumption while maintaining performance. The ability to transition between high and low resistance states allows for energy-efficient operation during switching events while ensuring reliable device function through the material's stable state transitions.

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

This approach allows for tuning of circuit impedance to mitigate manufacturing variations, enhancing the performance and reliability of integrated circuits by adjusting voltage and current levels, specifically in sense amplifiers, leading to improved power efficiency and reduced spurious set/reset conditions.

Implementation Method 1

correlated electron materials (CEMs) that transition between conductive and insulative states through quantum mechanical phenomena, such as Mott transitions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMott transition:

Data Source

PatentUS10267831B2Process variation compensation with correlated electron switch devices

Publication Date: 2019.04.23 ARM LTD

AI summary

Subject matter disclosed herein may relate to correlated electron switch devices, and may relate more particularly to compensating for integrated circuit manufacturing process variation with correlated electron switch devices.