Nanocell Devices and Architecture for Configurable Computing With Molecular Electronics

Journal article, 2007

We develop a method to configure a 3-D nonlinear nanoparticle-molecule network to performing ten out of twelve possible combinations of two 2-bit logic gates with shared inputs. The logic gates are based on a simple circuit with adjustable linear and fixed negative differential resistance (NDR) elements. A bistable latch for signal restoration is an integral part of this target circuit. The simulations show that conductive patterns can be formed by applying voltages on the input–output pins of the nanocell. They also show that one-link gaps (short highly resistive links) can be created within the conductive channels. Furthermore, we discuss methods for introducing NDR molecules in these gaps, a crucial element of the target circuit. The structures resulting from the simulations are put in an architectural context, in which complex functions can be realized from the individual nanocell logic gates.