Gated-Diode Oscillator Network for Compact Reliable Graph Coloring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing oscillatory neural networks face challenges with high reliability and low area/energy efficiency in large-scale implementations, and existing oscillator technologies suffer from poor device uniformity and instability, making it difficult to integrate with CMOS processes.

Innovation Solution

Implement oscillators using a gated diode and resistor that generate and extinguish a positive feedback loop, coupled by capacitors or resistors, to solve combinatorial optimization problems and enhance processing speed through synchronization characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If CMOS oscillators (ring oscillators or LC oscillators) are used, then reliability is improved, but area and energy efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidarea
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential oscillation function from complex CMOS oscillator circuits and implements it using a simplified gated diode structure. By removing unnecessary circuit components and relying on the inherent properties of the gated diode, the oscillator achieves high reliability while significantly reducing area consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs simple gated diode structures that can be easily fabricated and replaced if needed, rather than using complex and expensive CMOS oscillator circuits. This approach prioritizes area efficiency and ease of manufacture while maintaining sufficient reliability for the application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Area of stationary object

If simple oscillator structures (MIT devices, resistive switching devices, or 2D materials) are used, then area efficiency is improved, but device uniformity and stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveareaVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different structural characteristics to different parts of the oscillator circuit. The gated diode structure is specifically designed with optimized dimensions and material properties to achieve both compact area and stable operation, combining the benefits of simple structures with the reliability needed for practical applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Area of stationary object

If existing oscillator technologies are used, then area efficiency is improved, but manufacturability in CMOS processes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveareaVSAvoidmanufacturability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The gated diode structure serves multiple functions within the oscillator circuit, including signal generation, amplification, and frequency determination, all within a single compact component that is compatible with standard CMOS fabrication processes. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while ensuring manufacturability.

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

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 proposed oscillatory neural network circuitry achieves high reliability and integration, overcoming processing speed limitations and performance degradation, enabling efficient edge detection and graph coloring solutions applicable to CMOS processes.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a gated diode and a resistor that repeatedly generate and extinguish a positive feedback loop

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPositive feedback loop: Feedback

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of oscillators coupled by capacitors or resistors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP4693108A1Oscillatory neural network circuitry using oscillators comprising gated diode
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 KOREA UNIV RES & BUSINESS FOUND
  • EP4693108A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4693108A1 patent drawingFigure 1C
  • EP4693108A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B

AI summary

Disclosed is an oscillatory neural network circuitry using oscillators including a gated diode. An oscillatory neural network circuitry according to an embodiment of the present disclosure using oscillators including a gated diode can represent at least two graph colors of an input graph based on phase differences in output voltages over time, as phase differences occur in the output voltages depending on time differences of input voltages applied to at least two gated diodes constituting at least two oscillators.