Electrical pulse counters – pulse dividers – or shift registers: c – Pulse counting or dividing chains – Using bistable semiconductors having only two electrodes
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-18
2001-06-05
Lam, Tuan T. (Department: 2816)
Electrical pulse counters, pulse dividers, or shift registers: c
Pulse counting or dividing chains
Using bistable semiconductors having only two electrodes
C327S195000, C326S134000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06243435
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to data storage and more particularly to a system and method for storing digital data utilizing a resonant tunneling diode bridge.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Shift registers have been formed in a variety of architectures. Conventionally, these architectures have been implemented with transistors. For example, one common implementation uses a D flip-flop that includes master and slave components of cross-coupled depletion-load NOR gates, with each component including six transistors. However, there are several disadvantages associated with using transistors to implement a shift register.
First of all, devices used in digital circuits are becoming smaller and smaller. As these devices decrease in size, quantum mechanical effects begin to appear. The electrical properties of conventional transistors may be altered in an unacceptable way by these quantum mechanical effects. Secondly, a transistor-implemented shift register is limited by the switching speed of the transistors, which may be too slow for some applications.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a system and method for storing digital data utilizing a resonant tunneling diode bridge is provided that substantially eliminates or reduces the disadvantages or problems associated with previously developed systems and methods. In particular, the present invention provides data storage by means of a high-speed shift register that utilizes resonant tunneling diodes.
In one embodiment of the present invention, a system for storing digital data is provided that includes a buffer, a clock amplifier, and a bridge. The buffer is coupled to receive an input signal and is operable to modify the input signal. The clock amplifier is coupled to receive a clock signal and is operable to amplify the clock signal. The bridge is operable to store digital data. The bridge includes a plurality of negative differential resistance devices. The bridge is coupled to the buffer and the clock amplifier.
Technical advantages of the present invention include providing an improved, high-speed shift register for data storage. In particular, resonant tunneling diodes are included as a part of a bridge circuit. Accordingly, reliance on transistors is avoided. As a result, the detrimental effects of quantum mechanics are minimized or not present and switching speed is increased.
Other technical advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.
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Baker & Botts L.L.P.
Lam Tuan T.
Raytheon Company
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