Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the lifetime of ferroelectric devices is presented. The method includes applying a waveform to the input pulse to increase the rise or fall time of the pulse. The waveform may comprise a ramp, a step, or combinations of both. The waveform may be symmetrical with respect to the rising and falling edges of the pulses. A temperature control device may also be operatively connected to increase the temperature of the device to increase lifetime. In other embodiments, a resistance may be operatively connected in series with the ferroelectric device to increase lifetime.

Abstract: An electrical circuit comprising at least two negative capacitance insulators connected in series, one of the two negative capacitance insulators is biased to generate a negative capacitance. One of the negative capacitance insulators may include an air-gap which is part of a nanoelectromechnical system (NEMS) device and the second negative capacitance insulator includes a ferroelectric material. Both of the negative capacitance insulators may be located between the channel and gate of a field effect transistor. The NEMS device may include a movable electrode, a dielectric and a fixed electrode and arranged so that the movable electrode is attached to at least two points and spaced apart from the dielectric and fixed electrode, and the ferroelectric capacitor is electrically connected to either of the electrodes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the lifetime of ferroelectric devices is presented. The method includes applying a waveform to the input pulse to increase the rise or fall time of the pulse. The waveform may comprise a ramp, a step, or combinations of both. The waveform may be symmetrical with respect to the rising and falling edges of the pulses. A temperature control device may also be operatively connected to increase the temperature of the device to increase lifetime. In other embodiments, a resistance may be operatively connected in series with the ferroelectric device to increase lifetime.