Magnetic State Element Circuits for Zero-Power Logic Retention

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spin-based devices, such as magnetic memories, cannot perform logic computations and fail to retain logic states effectively due to repeated spin-to-charge conversion, offsetting the low-power operation advantage.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic state element (SSE) is introduced, comprising a variable resistive magnetic device and a magnetic logic gating device, which adjusts resistance based on a magnetic control signal to enable zero-power retention of logic states, allowing for spintronic logic operations like finite state machines and de-multiplexers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If spin-to-charge conversion circuits are used repeatedly, then logic computations can be performed, but the advantage of low-power operation is offset

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelogic computation capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a magnetic state element as an intermediary component that stores logic states in magnetic form without requiring repeated spin-to-charge conversion. This mediator allows the system to maintain logic states magnetically while only performing conversion when necessary, thereby reducing overall power consumption while preserving logic computation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the conventional charge-based logic state representation with a magnetic field-based representation. By substituting the mechanical/electrical charge system with a magnetic system for state storage, the invention eliminates the need for continuous power-consuming spin-to-charge conversion cycles, thus maintaining versatility while reducing power usage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Use of energy by moving object

If magnetic memories are used for spin-based operations, then low-power operation is achieved, but logic computations cannot be performed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidlogic computation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic state element is designed to serve multiple functions: it can store logic states magnetically like traditional magnetic memory, yet also interface with charge-based circuits to enable logic computations. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain low-power operation while gaining logic computation capability, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If logic states are retained using existing spin-based devices, then short-term storage is possible, but extended retention with minimal power is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelogic state retention timeVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic state element utilizes the inherent stability of magnetic domains to retain logic states without requiring continuous external energy input. The magnetic configuration itself serves to maintain the logic state, eliminating the need for power-consuming refresh operations and achieving both extended retention time and minimal power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 SSE enables low-power computer systems to retain logic states for extended periods with minimal power consumption, facilitating the implementation of spin logic and de-multiplexers, thereby overcoming the limitations of existing spin-based devices.

Implementation Method 1

a variable resistive magnetic device to receive a magnetic control signal to adjust resistance of the variable resistive magnetic device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetoresistance: Magnetoresistance

Implementation Method 2

a magnetic logic gating device, coupled to the variable resistive magnetic device, to drive an output magnetic signal based on the resistance of the variable resistive magnetic device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field control: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS9570139B2Magnetic state element and circuits

Publication Date: 2017.02.14 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Described is an apparatus, for spin state element device, which comprises: a variable resistive magnetic (VRM) device to receive a magnetic control signal to adjust resistance of the VRM device; and a magnetic logic gating (MLG) device, coupled to the VRM device, to receive a magnetic logic input and perform logic operation on the magnetic logic input and to drive an output magnetic signal based on the resistance of the VRM device. Described is a magnetic de-multiplexer which comprises: a first VRM device to receive a magnetic control signal to adjust resistance of the first VRM; a second VRM device to receive the magnetic control signal to adjust resistance of the second VRM device; and an MLG device, coupled to the first and second VRM devices, the MLG device having at least two output magnets to output magnetic signals based on the resistances of the first and second VRM devices.