Elliott C Brown

US Patent:

58252401, Oct 20, 1998

Filed:

Aug 22, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/916829

Inventors:

Michael W. Geis - Acton MA
Elliott R. Brown - Billerica MA
Stephen J. Eglash - Palo Alto CA
Christopher L. Dennis - Baker City OR

Assignee:

Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Cambridge MA

International Classification:

H03K 3315

US Classification:

327570

Abstract:

Resonant-tunneling transmission lines in the various architectures rely on discrete or continuous resonant-tunneling heterostructures to actively modify propagating logic signals. One embodiment utilizes amplification of logic signals to counteract ubiquitous losses and distortion associated with any transmission medium. Basically, the logic signal is incrementally reamplified and reshaped as it propagates along the transmission line. Another embodiment is directed to a clocking system that transmits a signal represented by a sinusoid. Then, in proximity to the logic gates or modules, the sinusoid is converted into a square wave that actually clocks the gates and other logic structures. The inventive active transmission line naturally performs this feature, thus enabling clock signal transmission over longer links coupled with sinusoid-to-square wave conversion in a limited area. Still other embodiments implement step or continuous variations in the physical width of the resonant-tunneling transmission line.