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Continuously Variable Integrated Analog Resistor

Technology Benefits

Reduced costs for companies using integrated circuits because the circuits can be reused for multiple purposes and fixed resistors do not need to be assembled onto integrated circuit boards. Resistive value changes dynamically through a series of electrical bursts so it can be used in devices that have a requirement for a variable resistor. Holds resistive value when power is turned off so it can be part of circuits that have low energy requirements.

Detailed Technology Description

Boise State University has invented an integrated circuit variable resistor with the ability to continuously change resistance values and to maintain those values in the absence of applied power. This device is a resistor made of an alloy that can be manufactured in an integrated circuit and have its resistive value changed dynamically though a series of electrical bursts. It will then hold its resistive value, without applied power, until changed again. It is superior to existing resistor technologies since existing resistor technologies have a fixed resistance or require constant power in order to maintain a resistive value.

Supplementary Information

Patent Number: US8238146B2
Application Number: US2009534818A
Inventor: Campbell, Kristy A.
Priority Date: 1 Aug 2008
Priority Number: US8238146B2
Application Date: 3 Aug 2009
Publication Date: 7 Aug 2012
IPC Current: G11C001100
US Class: 365159 | 365148
Assignee Applicant: Boise State University,Boise
Title: Variable integrated analog resistor
Usefulness: Variable integrated analog resistor
Novelty: Variable integrated resistor has chalcogenide device that is programmable above ten resistance states

Industry

Electronics

Sub Category

Semiconductor

*Abstract

In the current state of the art, there are no integrated circuit resistor elements that are programmable. In an integrated circuit, resistors are typically fabricated in silicon by doping the silicon to a level that fixes the material resistance. This resistance is unchangeable and irreversible in the final integrated circuit. Another way of achieving a resistance in an integrated circuit is by biasing a transistor, such as a MOSFET, at certain conditions. This technique requires constant power and is thus not a low-power, or no-power, passive resistance. With neither technique is it possible to create a range of available resistance states during integrated circuit operation, referred to as variable resistances, which retain their state in the absence of an applied electrical signal.

*Principal Investigator

Name: Kris Campell, Associate Professor

Department: Electrical & Computer Engineering

Country/Region

USA