Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods related to a three-dimensional integrated logic circuit that includes a columnar active region. Within the columnar active region resides an interdigitated plurality of semiconductor columns and conductive columns. A plurality of transistors is vertically arranged along each semiconductor column, which extends from a bottom surface of the columnar logic region to a top surface of the columnar logic region. Each of the plurality of transistors of each semiconductor column have source, body, and drain regions horizontally aligned, such that source, drain, and body regions of each of the plurality of transistors are vertically aligned with one another along the semiconductor column. Each of the plurality of conductive columns is adjacent to at least one of the plurality of semiconductor columns and extends along a columnar axis to one or more interconnection layers at the top and/or bottom surfaces of the columnar active layer.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods related to a three-dimensional integrated logic circuit that includes a columnar active region. Within the columnar active region resides an interdigitated plurality of semiconductor columns and conductive columns. A plurality of transistors is vertically arranged along each semiconductor column, which extends from a bottom surface of the columnar logic region to a top surface of the columnar logic region. The plurality of transistors are electrically interconnected so as to perform a logic function and to generate a logic output signal at a logic output port in response to a logic input signal received at a logic input port. Each of the plurality of conductive columns is adjacent to at least one of the plurality of semiconductor columns and extends along a columnar axis to one or more interconnection layers at the top and/or bottom surfaces of the columnar active layer.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to quasi-adiabatic logic gates in which at least one supply terminal receives sinusoidal power. The quasi-adiabatic logic gate is configured to perform a specific logic function operative upon one or more input signals. When the quasi-adiabatic logic gate switches the output from one logic state to another logic state, the transient switching portion of the output signal substantially tracks the sinusoidal supply signal. Such a sinusoidal transient switching portion of the signal has lower frequency components than have traditional CMOS logic gate transients. Some embodiments include an inductor through which the sinusoidal supply signal is provided to the quasi-adiabatic logic gate. Such an inductor can both provide charge to and recover charge from switching quasi-adiabatic logic gates, thereby further reducing power.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to quasi-adiabatic logic gates in which at least one supply terminal receives sinusoidal power. The quasi-adiabatic logic gate is configured to perform a specific logic function operative upon one or more input signals. When the quasi-adiabatic logic gate switches the output from one logic state to another logic state, the transient switching portion of the output signal substantially tracks the sinusoidal supply signal. Such a sinusoidal transient switching portion of the signal has lower frequency components than have traditional CMOS logic gate transients. Some embodiments include an inductor through which the sinusoidal supply signal is provided to the quasi-adiabatic logic gate. Such an inductor can both provide charge to and recover charge from switching quasi-adiabatic logic gates, thereby further reducing power.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods related to a three dimensional integrated logic circuit that includes a columnar active region. Within the columnar active region resides an interdigitated plurality of semiconductor columns and conductive columns. A plurality of transistors is vertically arranged along each semiconductor column, which extends from a bottom surface of the columnar logic region to a top surface of the columnar logic region. The plurality of transistors are electrically interconnected so as to perform a logic function and to generate a logic output signal at a logic output port in response to a logic input signal received at a logic input port. Each of the plurality of conductive columns is adjacent to at least one of the plurality of semiconductor columns and extends along a columnar axis to one or more interconnection layers at the top and/or bottom surfaces of the columnar active layer.

Abstract: Novel unipolar circuits and vertical structures are described which exhibit low stand-by power, low dynamic power, high speed performance, and have higher density compared to conventional silicon CMOS circuitry. In one embodiment, a design methodology utilizing either a p-channel or n-channel transistor type such that each logic gate is clocked and the clocking mechanism provides the pull up or pull down. Further embodiments include novel designs of vertical unipolar logic gates which provides for high density. Ultra-short transistor channel lengths in vertical unipolar logic gates are fabricated with a deposition process—in lieu of a lithography process—thereby providing for high speed operation and low cost manufacturing.

Abstract: An integrated circuit which enables lower cost yet provides superior performance compared to standard silicon integrated circuits by utilizing thin film transistors (TFTs) fabricated in BEOL. Improved memory circuits are enabled by utilizing TFTs to improve the density and access in a three dimensional circuit design which minimizes die area. Improved I/O is enabled by eliminating the area on the surface of the semi-conductor dedicated to I/O and allowing many times the number of I/O available. Improved speed and lower power are also enabled by the shortened metal routing lines and reducing leakage.

Abstract: An integrated circuit which enables lower cost and improved features compared to standard crystalline silicon integrated circuits by utilizing thin film transistors (TFTs) in 2D and 3D memory and logic devices, including NAND flash memory and other nonvolatile memories such as RRAM, NRAM, MRAM, FeRAM or PCRAM. By utilizing TFTs, density is improved and die area and costs are reduced. Volumetric memory arrays of several layers may be fabricated with greatly reduced area requirements for periphery circuits and routing. Under 5% area requirements are possible. Ultra-wide I/O may be implemented without die area penalty. Vertical TFTs and logic gates provide better density and high speed approaching or exceeding that of crystalline silicon.

Abstract: Novel unipolar circuits and vertical structures are described which exhibit low stand-by power, low dynamic power, high speed performance, and higher density compared to conventional silicon CMOS circuitry. In one embodiment, a design methodology utilizing either a p-channel or n-channel transistor type such that each logic gate is clocked and the clocking mechanism provides the pull up or pull down. Further embodiments include novel designs of vertical unipolar logic gates which provides for high density. Ultra-short transistor channel lengths in vertical unipolar logic gates are fabricated with a deposition process—in lieu of a lithography process—thereby providing for high speed operation and low cost manufacturing.