A new resonant-tunnel diode-based multivalued memory circuit using a MESFET depletion load

Author

Yan, Z.X. ; Deen, M.J.

Author_Institution

Sch. of Eng. Sci., Simon Fraser Univ., Burnaby, BC, Canada

Volume

27

Issue

8

fYear

1992

fDate

8/1/1992 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

1198

Lastpage

1202

Abstract

A resonant-tunnel-diode-based (RTD-based) multivalued memory (MVM) circuit using a depletion-load MESFET is described. Compared with the commonly used resistor load in multivalued logic (MVL) circuits, this circuit design offers better noise margins, lower power dissipation, and easier integration. SPICE was used to simulate a three-state memory circuit, functioning as a MVL cell and consisting of a series connection of two RTDs and a MESFET depletion load. It is shown that the simulated multipeak I-V curve for this MVM cell is in good agreement with the measurement results from the two discrete RTDs connected in series. The signal write and read operations for this MVM circuit are also successfully simulated, and these operations were reliable and showed fast response. Some important effects on the MVM circuit due to the parasitic resistor and capacitor in the RTD are discussed. This MVM cell structure can be easily extended to implement more states in a memory circuit

Keywords

Schottky gate field effect transistors; circuit analysis computing; equivalent circuits; integrated logic circuits; integrated memory circuits; many-valued logics; resonant tunnelling devices; semiconductor device models; MESFET depletion load; MVL cell; RTD based circuit; SPICE; multivalued memory circuit; noise margins; power dissipation; resonant-tunnel; series connection; simulated multipeak I-V curve; three-state memory circuit; Circuit noise; Circuit simulation; Circuit synthesis; Diodes; MESFET circuits; Multivalued logic; Power dissipation; RLC circuits; Resistors; Resonant tunneling devices;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Solid-State Circuits, IEEE Journal of

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0018-9200

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/4.148329

Filename

148329