A compact and universal cellular neural network cell based on resonant tunneling diodes: circuit, model, and functional capabilities

A novel cellular neural network (CNN) cell and its circuit realization are proposed. The theory of the multi-nested universal cell is applied, and the nonmonotonic current-voltage characteristic of resonant tunneling diodes (RTD) is exploited to achieve a high functionality. The proposed cell has the potential of implementing arbitrary local Boolean functions with n inputs. The cell has a complexity of only O(n) in the number of devices and template elements. For comparison, the digital n-to-1 multiplexor, a functionally equivalent system has a complexity of O(2ⁿ). A simple, piecewise-linear mathematical model is derived and used to evaluate the functional capabilities of the RTD-CNN cell. The model was proved to be accurate enough, and only minor tuning of some of the parameters is necessary to achieve the same functionality using a Spice simulation of the same circuit, which is based on more refined physical device models