Ion-Diffusion MOS Sensor Memory for Power-Free Event Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensors face challenges in accurately and reliably detecting environmental conditions without external power, as they rely on data storage by computer-readable memory devices, which is inaccessible in power-unavailable situations and have limited control over ion diffusion.
Innovation Solution
The semiconductor device incorporates a reservoir of ions with metal-oxide semiconductor (MOS) devices to control ion diffusion into channel regions, enabling condition detection with minimal or no external power by selecting appropriate ion and oxide material combinations for efficient diffusion, and includes primary and secondary barriers to prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sensors use computer-readable memory devices to store detection data, then data can be stored and accessed, but the system becomes inaccessible and unreliable when external power is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system performs self-service by using the detected environmental conditions themselves to trigger ion diffusion and store detection results in the oxide region. The system does not require external power for data storage because the environmental conditions (temperature, pressure, electromagnetic radiation) directly cause the ions to diffuse into the oxide region, creating a self-powered memory mechanism that eliminates dependency on external power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-positioning ions in the reservoir adjacent to the oxide region before detection occurs. When environmental conditions are detected, the pre-positioned ions immediately diffuse into the oxide region to record the detection event, eliminating the need for powered memory storage and ensuring reliability without external power.
2Measurement precision
If conventional sensors lack control over ion diffusion, then the structure is simpler, but detection accuracy and reliability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where environmental conditions (temperature, pressure, electromagnetic radiation) act as mediators to control ion diffusion. These conditions naturally regulate the diffusion process by affecting ion mobility and diffusion rates, providing precise control over when and how ions move into the oxide region without requiring complex external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes parameter changes in the environmental conditions (temperature, pressure, electromagnetic radiation levels) to control ion diffusion. As these parameters change in response to detected events, they directly modulate the diffusion process, enabling accurate and reliable detection through natural physical parameter variations rather than complex control mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If ions diffuse freely into channel regions, then detection is simpler, but contamination and operational reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the ion storage and detection functions by creating a distinct reservoir region separated from the channel/oxide region by a defined interface. This segmentation allows ions to be stored in one location and only permitted to move to the detection region under specific environmental conditions, preventing uncontrolled diffusion and contamination while maintaining simple operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating different material properties and structural characteristics in different regions: the reservoir stores ions with appropriate containment properties, while the oxide region provides a specific detection interface. This localized differentiation enables controlled ion movement and detection while preventing contamination in areas where it is not desired.
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 reliable detection of conditions without external power, providing a flexible and accurate means to sense various conditions, such as temperature, pressure, and electromagnetic radiation, while minimizing contamination and operational reliance on external power sources.
Implementation Method 1
an electric field generated by the ion diffusion control device controls diffusion of the ions from the reservoir into the one or more channel regions
Implementation Method 2
an electric field generated by the ion diffusion control device controls diffusion of the ions from the reservoir into the one or more channel regions
Data Source
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AI summary
Semiconductor devices (100) include a reservoir of ions (102) and one or more channel regions (104). Additionally, the semiconductor devices include one or more diffusion control devices (112, 114) that control the flow of ions from the reservoir to the one or more channel regions. The presence of ions in the one or more channel regions can be detected and used to determine that the semiconductor devices have been subjected to one or more events.