Nano-Grease Memory Circuit Power Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current nano-scale memory devices face challenges such as low power handling, sensitivity to Electrostatic Discharge (ESD), high component count, high cost, and limited scalability, while also lacking efficiency and effectiveness in storing analog information.

Innovation Solution

A nano-grease with significantly reduced carbon nanotube loading, exhibiting non-volatile memory characteristics, is used in a nano-scale memory circuit, capable of handling high power, being insensitive to ESD, and featuring a single-component design, with enhanced thermal and electrical conductivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If conventional nano-scale memory devices are used, then data storage function is provided, but power handling capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower handling capabilityVSAvoidESD sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameters by using carbon nanotubes with specific structural characteristics (length, diameter, chirality) and controlling their concentration and distribution in the memory device, thereby achieving improved power handling capability while maintaining ESD immunity through optimized material properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material structures combining carbon nanotubes with other materials to create memory devices that simultaneously achieve high power handling capability and ESD resistance, leveraging the unique electrical and mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes in a composite configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If multi-component memory device design is used, then functionality is enhanced, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvememory functionalityVSAvoidcomponent count

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the carbon nanotube-based memory device perform multiple functions including data storage, ESD protection, and power handling within a single component structure, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining enhanced functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple functional components into a single integrated carbon nanotube memory device, combining storage elements, protection mechanisms, and power handling capabilities in one unified structure to reduce component count and simplify device architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If high carbon nanotube loading is used, then electrical conductivity is enhanced, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoidcarbon nanotube loading

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the concentration parameter of carbon nanotubes in the memory device, achieving sufficient electrical conductivity at reduced loading levels through improved nanotube quality, better dispersion techniques, and optimized structural configuration that maximizes conductivity per unit concentration

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

The nano-grease-based memory device achieves improved power handling, reduced ESD sensitivity, lower costs, and increased data density, enabling efficient analog information storage with a compact, single-component design.

Implementation Method 1

a nano-grease with significantly reduced carbon nanotube loading, exhibiting non-volatile memory characteristics

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNon-volatile memory characteristics: Hysteresis

Implementation Method 2

a nano-grease with significantly reduced carbon nanotube loading... with enhanced thermal and electrical conductivity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conductivity: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

a nano-grease with significantly reduced carbon nanotube loading... with enhanced thermal and electrical conductivity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conductivity: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS11778933B2Nano memory device

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 SOUTH DAKOTA BOARD OF REGENTS

AI summary

A non-volatile memory circuit in embodiments of the present invention may have one or more of the following features: (a) a logic source, and (b) a semi-conductive device being electrically coupled to the logic source, having a first terminal, a second terminal and a nano-grease with significantly reduced amount of carbon nanotube loading located between the first and second terminal, wherein the nano-grease exhibits non-volatile memory characteristics.