Inline Spin Wave Majority Gate Layout for Compact Low-Loss Logic

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current spin wave-based majority gate devices have limitations in terms of density and operation efficiency, particularly due to their trident shape which results in increased area and energy consumption, as well as limitations in lithography processes and wave interference.

Innovation Solution

A clocking system for spin wave-based majority gate devices with an inline configuration of spin wave generators and detectors along a straight waveguide, utilizing magneto-electric cells and magnetic tunnel junctions, which allows for efficient wave interference and reduced losses, enabling flexible cell configuration and compact layout.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a trident configuration is used for spin wave majority gate devices, then wave interference can be achieved, but the area footprint increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewave interference capabilityVSAvoidarea footprint
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple waveguides into a single inline waveguide structure, merging the functions of separate input paths into one continuous propagation path. This reduces the area footprint while maintaining the wave interference capability through controlled coupling between adjacent waveguide sections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a planar trident configuration to a three-dimensional inline structure with vertical coupling. By utilizing the vertical dimension for wave coupling between waveguide sections, the design achieves wave interference without expanding the lateral area footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If a trident configuration is used for spin wave majority gate devices, then wave interference can be achieved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewave interference capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple waveguides into a single inline waveguide structure, merging the functions of separate input paths into one continuous propagation path. This reduces the area footprint while maintaining the wave interference capability through controlled coupling between adjacent waveguide sections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts potential wave losses at junctions into beneficial interference patterns by using controlled coupling between adjacent inline waveguide sections. The coupling regions are designed to enable constructive and destructive interference while minimizing energy dissipation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Productivity

If magneto-electric cells are used, then spin wave generation and detection efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespin wave generation and detection efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs magneto-electric cells that serve dual functions as both spin wave generators and detectors. These cells can operate in different modes depending on the applied field configuration, reducing the need for separate generation and detection components and thereby simplifying the overall device structure.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the dynamic switching capability of magneto-electric cells, which can change their function between generation and detection modes through external field control. This dynamic reconfigurability allows a single cell type to perform multiple functions, reducing device complexity while maintaining high efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 inline configuration reduces the area footprint, minimizes wave losses, and allows for efficient integration and operation of spin wave generators and detectors, leading to area and energy-efficient majority gate devices with improved processing capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

spin wave generators translate an input signal charge-carrier based signal to spin waves within a ferromagnetic stripe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpin wave generation: Spin-stabilized Magnetic Levitation

Implementation Method 2

The spin waves propagate along the ferromagnetic stripe and are detected by spin wave detectors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpin wave detection: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 3

A natural choice for gate implementation by a wave-based concept is the majority gate, where three waves are interfered and the interference result is the majority of the three initial waves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWave interference: Interference

Implementation Method 4

utilizing magneto-electric cells and magnetic tunnel junctions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic tunneling: Magnetoresistance

Implementation Method 5

utilizing magneto-electric cells and magnetic tunnel junctions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagneto-electric effect: Magneto-Optic Kerr Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3339871B1Inline wave majority gate device
Publication Date: 2019.08.07 INTERUNIVERSITAIR MICRO ELECTRONICS CENT (IMEC VZW)
  • EP3339871B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3339871B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3339871B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A majority gate device (200) comprising cells (210) configurable as spin wave generators or spin wave detectors such that the majority gate device comprises: an odd number of spin wave generators (212, 214, 216), and at least one spin wave detector (222); the majority gate device moreover comprises a waveguide (230) adapted for guiding spin waves generated by the spin wave generators. The spin wave generators (212, 214, 216) and the at least one spin wave detector (222) are positioned in an inline configuration along the waveguide (230) such that, in operation, interference of the spin waves generated by the spin wave generators (212, 214, 216) can be detected by the at least one spin wave detector (222). Thereby a signal is obtained which corresponds with a majority operation on the generated spin waves.