Abstract: Switching method and apparatus for assigning a communication grant to a first processing unit in a communication network comprising a plurality of processing units, each processing unit being connected to each other processing unit of the plurality of processing units. The switching method includes steps of performing an identical arbitration procedure for a communication grant by each of the plurality of processing units, and switching at least one of the plurality of processing units according to the identical arbitration procedure.

Abstract: A novel majority logic circuit is disclosed to determine whether the majority of the inputs are a one, within a constant number of clock cycles, regardless of the number of inputs. The majority logic circuit according to the present invention includes a plurality of current mirror stages and an amplifier stage. For each input, one current mirror stage is used, which outputs either a current source if the input is a one, or a current sink if the input is a zero. The current sources of all the input current mirror stages are connected in parallel to the current source input node of the amplifier stage. The current sinks of all the input current mirror stages are connected in parallel to the current sink input node of the amplifier stage. The amplifier is a differential type, which outputs either a positive voltage or a zero voltage depending upon the majority of the inputs.

Abstract: This invention provides a storage medium on which there is stored a cell library to design a semiconductor integrated circuit to satisfy low power consumption and high speed operation and a design method using the cell library. The cell library is registered with at least two kinds of cells which are different in delay and power consumption while having the same function and the same shape. To satisfy the specification of the semiconductor integrated circuit, one cell is selected from at least two kinds of cells of the cell library.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for selectively providing pre-emphasis to the output of a first driver during an initial portion of certain data transitions while transmitting data along a data bus from a source to a destination, with the certain data transitions being determined as a function of the content of the history of prior transmitted data cells. In the preferred embodiment, a pre-emphasis driver is connected in parallel to a normal driver and the pre-emphasis driver is activated preferably during the initial portion of a data transition to provide pre-emphasis in response to a control signal being applied to the pre-emphasis driver. The preferred embodiment of the present invention also comprises a sequence detector and control for monitoring the data cells or bits that are inputted to the normal driver to provide a history of the voltage levels of the data bits that are input to the normal driver.

Abstract: Logic circuit generating four binary outputs as four threshold functions of four binary inputs, including: first, second, third, and fourth threshold functions which are respectively high if at least one, two, three and all of the binary inputs are high; first logic having two logic parts that each include NOR and NAND gates, and having two first-level inputs for receiving the binary inputs and two first-level outputs; and second logic having four second-level outputs, four second-level inputs for receiving second-level binary inputs and connected to the four first-level outputs, NAND gate, first gate generating logical OR combinations and NAND combining the logical OR combination with two other second-level binary inputs, a second gate generating logical OR combinations of two pairs of second-level binary inputs and NAND combining the logical OR combinations, and a NOR gate; wherein one of four binary outputs is generated at each of the four outputs.

Abstract: An integrated security circuit, for example, a microcontroller for smart cards, includes a function unit executing a security function. A control device determines the number of executions of the security function per unit of time. The continued execution of the security function is blocked when a threshold value is exceeded. For such a purpose, an analog timekeeper incorporating a charge storage device is preferably provided that measures the elapsing time even with the supply potential disconnected. A usage counter is updated whenever the security function is called. The security circuit offers increased protection against statistical attacks. The complexity involved in the implementation is justifiably low. The security circuit is compatible with the existing system.

Abstract: Power consumption in a circuit is minimized. The circuit includes a pipelined circuit having a plurality of stages. A determination is made as to whether a predetermined period of time has expired. The predetermined period of time being associated with a predetermined period of time to detect a transition of an input or an output of the pipelined circuit. If the predetermined period of time is exceeded, a sequential shut-down procedure is performed on each stage in the plurality of stages of the pipelined circuit so that each stage is shut-down.

Abstract: A NULL convention-threshold gate receives a plurality of inputs, each having an asserted state and a NULL state. The threshold gate switches its output to an asserted state when the number of asserted inputs exceeds a threshold number. The threshold gate switches its output to the NULL state only after all inputs have returned to NULL. Signal states may be implemented as distinct current levels.

Abstract: A programmable circuit and its method of operation are disclosed in which a transistor is used as a programmable element. The transistor may be programmed to one of two different gate threshold voltage values for operation. During reading of the transistor, a gate threshold voltage between the two values is applied and the status of the transistor as on or off is determined to determine the program state of the transistor. The program state of the transistor can be determined by a simple latch circuit.

Abstract: A method of global simplification of a netlist for an integrated circuit includes steps for generating a variable set representative of the inputs and outputs of logic elements in the netlist, re-ordering the inputs and corresponding outputs of the logic elements in the variable set, generating a key set representative of the inputs of the logic elements that are connected to the outputs, assigning names in the variable set that are representative of equivalent outputs having two or fewer essential variables to the same variable name, inserting names in the variable set representative of outputs having more than two essential variables, and assigning a value to each of the outputs having two or fewer essential variables.

Abstract: An input buffer circuit includes front stage circuits and a succeeding stage circuit. Each of the front stage circuits has a logic threshold voltage different from each other. The succeeding stage circuit has a P type MOS transistor and an N type MOS transistor connected in series. The succeeding circuit includes inputs connected to the front stage circuit. A logic threshold voltage of the succeeding stage circuit is set to be between the respective logic threshold voltages of the front stage circuits.

Abstract: An output buffer circuit disclosed herein includes a buffer supplied with an input signal and outputting an output signal from an output terminal; a driving assistant buffer including a first MISFET provided at one of a first position and a second position, the first position being between the output terminal and a first power supply and the second position being between the output terminal and a second power supply; a first logic circuit configured to perform a logic operation based on a first logical threshold using the output signal to output a first logic signal; a second logic circuit configured to perform the same logic operation as the first logic circuit based on a second logical threshold using the output signal to output a second logic signal; and a third logic circuit outputting a control signal to control the first MISFET and including second and third MISFETs connected in series, the first logic signal being inputted to a gate of the second MISFET and the second logic signal being inputted to a g

Abstract: In a standard cell, rise time when an output transitions from a low-level voltage to a high-level voltage and fall time when an output transitions from the high-level voltage to the low-level voltage differ from each other. A flip-flop outputs a first input signal, which is input in a cycle immediately before a clock in synchronization with one of rise and fall of the clock, to the standard cell and then fixes an output the signal at one of a high-level voltage and a low-level voltage. Before a second input signal, which is output from the flip-flop after the first input signal, reaches the standard cell, an output of the standard cell is set at one of a high-level voltage and a low-level voltage, which corresponds to a signal whose transition speed is slow, by one of the high-level voltage and the low-level voltage that is output from the flip-flop.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit technology that does not invite the drop of &agr;-ray resistance of flip-flop circuits even when devices are miniaturized. A data hold circuit according to this semiconductor integrated circuit technology includes at least three flip-flop circuits using the same signal as an input, and a majority logic circuit for outputting a signal in accordance with a logic value of the majority of the output of these flip-flop circuits.

Abstract: A method for compensating a threshold voltage of a neighbor bit, are provided. The method includes the first step of arbitrating the word line voltages applied to bits demanded to be programmed, wherein the the word line voltages are arbitrated according to the threshold voltages of the neighbor bits adjacent to the bits. Next, the bits, to which a same word line voltage should be applied, in the memory cells are distributed to a group of bits with the same word line voltage. Then, the same word line voltage is applied to the bits of the group of bits with the same word line voltage.

Abstract: A serial poll request node and circuit are provided. The node includes a data token input and output, first and second acknowledge inputs, and an arbitrating switch. An acknowledge circuit is configured to receive as an input the first and second acknowledge inputs and at least one output of the arbitrating switch, and to generate an enable signal in response to at least the absence of a pending request signal and both the first and second acknowledge inputs simultaneously receiving acknowledge signals.

Abstract: A method for compensating a threshold voltage of a neighbor bit, are provided. The method includes the first step of arbitrating the word line voltages applied to bits demanded to be programmed, wherein the the word line voltages are arbitrated according to the threshold voltages of the neighbor bits adjacent to the bits. Next, the bits, to which a same word line voltage should be applied, in the memory cells are distributed to a group of bits with the same word line voltage. Then, the same word line voltage is applied to the bits of the group of bits with the same word line voltage.

Abstract: A one-hot Muller C-element, wherein an event received on each of a plurality of inputs results in an event being output, can be implemented with complementary inputs and a true transistor pair comprising one transistor having a gate coupled to a first true input and another transistor having a gate coupled to a second true input; a true arm comprising the true transistor pair, coupled in series between a complement output and ground, and a true pull-up transistor, coupled between the complement output and a source; a true arm pull-up logic gate, coupled at its inputs to complement input wires of the one-hot Muller C-element and coupled at its output to a gate of the true pull-up transistor; a complement transistor pair comprising one transistor having a gate coupled to a first complement input and another transistor having a gate coupled to a second complement input; a complement arm comprising the complement transistor pair, coupled in series between a true output and ground, and a complement pull-up transis

Abstract: A synapse element consisting of a smaller number of elements utilizing common semiconductor technology, and a neuron circuit and a neuron device using the synapse elements are provided. The synapse element comprises a transistor set consisting of two MIS transistors connected in series. The first transistor adjusts the effective &bgr;-value of the transistor set so as to correspond to the weight factor &ohgr; via voltage applied to its gate electrode, and the second transistor switches the current according to input voltage to its gate electrode, so that output of the transistor set represents synapse output &ohgr;X. A voltage holding element and a switching element furnished to the gate of the first transistor give the neuron device a learning ability.

Abstract: A logic gate, an adder and methods of operating and manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, the logic gate includes: (1) a summer, having at least two single-bit inputs and a noise-suppression input with corresponding conductances representing discrete weights, that generates a weighted sum of input binary digits presented at the at least two single-bit inputs and the noise-suppression input and (2) a quantizer, coupled to the summer, that generates an output binary digit at a binary output thereof that is a function of the weighted sum, the noise-suppression input increasing a noise tolerance of the logic gate.

Abstract: The present invention has as an object thereof to provide a logical operational circuit which is capable of realizing, with present semiconductor manufacturing technology, logical functions, the realization of which has been extremely difficult heretofore as a result of constraints in the voltage levels which are to be discriminated on the floating gate of the neuMOS.

Abstract: A switching element and method for asynchronous logic switches an output signal according to a switching-logic relationship between or among input signals. Input signals may assume at least a DATA value, a NULL value, and an INTERMEDIATE value. Input signals may also assume multiple DATA values. The element and method generates an output which assumes a NULL value when all input signals are NULL, and assumes DATA and INTERMEDIATE values in accordance with transform rules. Output signals may also assume an INTERMEDIATE value. DATA, NULL and INTERMEDIATE values may be encoded on to a number of signal lines. Transform rules may be threshold switching rules, where the output switches to a DATA output when a number of DATA inputs is greater than a threshold.

Abstract: A programmable circuit and its method of operation are disclosed in which a transistor is used as a programmable element. The transistor may be programmed to one of two different gate threshold voltage values for operation. During reading of the transistor, a gate threshold voltage between the two values is applied and the status of the transistor as on or off is determined to determine the program state of the transistor. The program state of the transistor can be determined by a simple latch circuit.

Abstract: A majority circuit comprises CMOS circuits is adapted to prevent operation errors due to disagreement of conductance among the transistors of the circuits. Such a majority circuit can realize a large fan in.

Abstract: A programmable gate array is disclosed for implementing asynchronous logic. In one embodiment, the array includes a set of cells, at least one of which includes a threshold gate having a plurality of inputs, an output, and a threshold value. Signals may assume an ASSERTED state having a logic meaning and a NULL state that has no logic meaning. The gate output switches to NULL when all inputs are NULL, and switches to the ASSERTED state when the number of ASSERTED inputs exceeds the threshold value. In the preferred embodiment, the gate exhibits hysteresis such that the output remains ASSERTED while the number of ASSERTED inputs remains greater than zero, less than the threshold value. In an alternate embodiment, an array of simplified threshold elements is used to form more complex threshold gates.

Abstract: There is provided a single electron device. The device has weak links with bottle-neck figure in place of the tunnel junction of the prior device. The weak links are easily formed on the same substrate by simple processes and thus the integration of the single electron device can be easily achieved.

Abstract: An m-of-n threshold gate is disclosed having an output stated derived from the voltage of a signal node. A “Go-to-Data” circuit pulls the signal node to a first state, corresponding to an ASSERTED (logically meaningful) output when a threshold number of inputs is in the ASSERTED state. A “Go-to-NULL” circuit pulls the signal node to a second state, corresponding to a NULL (logically meaningless) output when all inputs are in the NULL state. In a semi-dynamic embodiment, a weak feedback transistor holds the signal node in a predetermined state when some, but less than the threshold number of inputs is ASSERTED. In a dynamic embodiment, the signal node becomes isolated when less than the threshold number of inputs is ASSERTED, but holds sufficient charge to maintain the signal node in a state that existed at the time of isolation. A variety of GTN circuits are disclosed.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a decoder having an output terminal and five input terminals. The decoder has three operating states including a first operating state for generating a first potential at the output terminal, a second operating state for generating a second potential at the output terminal, and a third operating state for generating a third potential at the output terminal. The second potential lies between the first potential and the third potential.

Abstract: The invention relates to majority voting testing. A number of input signals are monitored individually by separate monitors, one monitor for each signal. Each monitor generates a control signal representing the status of the monitored signal. The generated control signals are sent to a level control unit. The level control unit controls the input levels to a majority voter according to the control signals. Instead of signals that are faulty, the level control unit selects signals of specific logical levels to be forwarded to the majority logic. The logical levels of these so called replacement signals are selected such that the replacement signals do not interfere with the remaining correct signals. Furthermore, the majority voted output signal is monitored so as to selectively generate an alarm. The voting functionality is tested by stopping input signals according to a first procedure, thus generating an alarm. By stopping input signals according to a second procedure, an alarm is avoided.

Abstract: The invention relates to majority voting. A number of input signals are monitored individually by separate monitors, one monitor for each signal. Each monitor generates a control signal representing the status of the monitored signal. The generated control signals are sent to a level control unit. The level control unit control the input levels to a majority voter according to the control signals. Instead of signals that are faulty, the level control unit selects signals of specific logical levels to be forwarded to the majority logic. The logical levels of these so called replacement signals are selected such that the replacement signals do not interfere with the remaining correct signals. Furthermore, the majority voted output signal is monitored so as to selectively generate an alarm. The voting functionality is tested by stopping input signals according to a first procedure, thus generating an alarm. By stopping input signals according to a second procedure, an alarm is avoided.

Abstract: A circuit and method for deriving an adder output bit from adder input bits, a multiplier circuit, a method of multiplying, a microprocessor and digital signal processor (DSP) employing the circuit or the method and a method of selecting weights and thresholds for logic gates. In one embodiment, the circuit includes: (1) first, second and third logic gates that generate intermediate bits based on threshold comparisons of concatenations of ones of the adder input bits and (2) combinatorial logic that generates the adder output bit from the intermediate bits. In one embodiment, the multiplier includes a summer having at least two inputs with corresponding weights, the inputs corresponding to bits of a multiplicand, the weights based on a multiplier, the summer generating a weighted sum of the multiplicand that represents a multiplication of the multiplicand and the multiplier that is a function of the weighted sum.

Abstract: A self-timed pipelined datapath system reduces its power dissipation by accurately controlling the active and inactive states of the multi-threshold CMOS (MT-CMOS) circuit used as its combinational circuit. The MT-CMOS circuit comprises a logic circuit of low-threshold and a power control circuit formed of high-threshold transistors for controlling the power feeding to the logic circuit. The self-timed pipelined datapath system comprises: a pipelined datapath circuit including a plurality of data processing stages, each having a combinational circuit for processing input data and a register connected to the input side of the combinational circuit; and an asynchronous signal control circuit that controls data transmission to and from each of the registers in the pipelined datapath circuit in response to a request signal.

Abstract: A voting circuit (34) comprises a first variable delay (60) operable to receive a first set of signals in a clock signal and to determine a first delay based on the first set of signals. The first variable delay (60) generates a first delayed output in response to the first delay of the clock signal. A second variable delay (62) is operable to receive a second set of signals and a clock signal and to determine a second delay based on the second set of signals. The second variable delay (62) generates a second delayed output in response to the second delay of the clock signal. A latch (64) is connected to the first and second variable delays. The latch (64) is operable to receive the first and second delayed outputs and to generate a latched voting output in response to at least one of the first and second delayed outputs.

Abstract: The threshold value logic has a non-inverting circuit path (S) that and an inverting circuit path (S') are connected to at least one comparative weighting subcircuit (BC, BS). The non-inverting circuit path and the inverting circuit path preferably are of identical construction and each contain at least one neuron transistor (NT1, NT1'). The corresponding neuron transistor gates in the non-inverting circuit path and in the inverting circuit path are driven inversely with respect to one another.

Abstract: Threshold logic gates are disclosed that respond to signals that may assume at least a first state having an arithmetic or logic meaning, and a second NULL state that has no arithmetic or logic meaning. Threshold values may be equal to or less than the number of input signal lines. Threshold gates switch their outputs from NULL to a meaningful state when the threshold number of inputs assume meaningful states. Gates will hold outputs in a meaningful (or non-null) state when the number of asserted inputs remains positive, even if the number is less than the threshold. In one embodiment, threshold gates include a "FLASH" input that forces the gate to NULL. In another embodiment, threshold gates include one or more "SET" inputs that drive the gate output to NULL or to a meaningfull state.

Abstract: A programmable gate array is disclosed for implementing asynchronous logic. In one embodiment, the array includes a set of cells, at least one of which is programmed to function as a threshold gate having a plurality of inputs, an output, and a threshold value. Signals may assume a DATA state having a logic meaning and a NULL state that has no logic meaning. The gate output switches to NULL when all inputs are NULL, and switches to the ASSERTED state when the number of DATA inputs exceeds the threshold value. The gate preferably exhibit hysteresis such that the output remains DATA while the number of DATA inputs remains greater than zero, and less than the threshold value. In an alternate embodiment, and array of simplified threshold elements is used to form more complex threshold gates.

Abstract: A defined zero point voltage (V.sub.0), dependent on a settable zero point voltage target value (V.sub.0,soll), is enabled in amplifier stages (1 . . . k) with neuron MOS transistors (T10,1 . . . T10,k). This is generally required because, for example, due to a process-caused charging of the floating gates of the neuron MOS transistors, and due to a capacitively coupled-in voltage from the channel region, an undefined zero point displacement of the transmission characteristic curve results. The devices can be used together with the amplifier stages, e.g. in video and audio technology, in sensor technology, in analog computers, in fuzzy circuits and in neural networks.

Abstract: A one-diode circuit for negated implication (.about..fwdarw.) is derived from a 12-transistor Lukasiewicz implication circuit (.fwdarw.). The derivation also yields an adjustable three-transistor implication circuit with maximum error less than 1% of full scale. Two Lukasiewicz logic arrays (.English Pound.LAs) are proposed that use area-efficient implementations of the one-diode and three-transistor implication circuits. The very dense diode-tower .English Pound.LA contains 36,000 implications in an area that previously held 92 implications; the three-transistor .English Pound.LA contains 1,990 implications. Both .English Pound.LAs double the number of inputs per pin on the IC package. Very dense .English Pound.LAs make .English Pound.LA-based fuzzy controllers and neural networks practical. As an example, an .English Pound.LA retina that detects edges in 15 nanoseconds is described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an analog voltage-signal selector device of the type comprising at least one plurality of comparator circuits operating in parallel and each having at least a first and second input terminals and designed to receive respectively an analog voltage-comparison signal and analog voltage signals of predetermined value and at least one output terminal for digital voltage signals. This selector device also comprises at least one logic circuit having a plurality of input terminals each connected to a corresponding output terminal of the comparator circuits and at least one output terminal. Finally the selector incorporates at least one plurality of latches each having at least one input terminal connected to the output terminal of a corresponding comparator circuit and at least one drive terminal coupled to the output terminal of the logic circuit with each of the memory circuits having at least one output terminal corresponding to an output of the selector.

Abstract: To judge whether or not the number of high-level bits among N (N.ltoreq.2) bits of an input signal is greater than a predetermined number M (1.ltoreq.M<N), a judging circuit has a differential amplifier, N primary MISFETs, M secondary MISFETs, and primary and secondary resistors having the same resistance. Sources of the primary MISFETs are connected to the ground in common. Drains of the primary MISFETs are connected to one end of the primary resistor in common. The other end of the primary resistor is supplied with a power-supply voltage. Gates of the primary MISFETs are supplied with the N bits, respectively. The primary MISFETs have on-currents, respectively, which are equal to one another. An inverted input terminal of the amplifier is connected to the above-mentioned one end of the primary resistor. Sources of the secondary MISFETs are connected to the ground in common. Drains of the secondary MISFETs are connected to one end of the-secondary resistor in common.

Abstract: A NULL convention logic element comprises an input, an output and a threshold switching circuit. The input receives NULL convention signals that are encoded onto a plurality of physical input signal lines that can assume at least a first meaningful signal state indicating data, a NULL signal state which has no logic meaning and third signal state distinct from the first and second signal states. The output produces output NULL convention signals that are encoded onto a plurality of physical input signal lines that can assume at least a first meaningful signal state indicating data, a NULL signal state which has no logic meaning and third signal state distinct from the first and second signal states. The threshold switching circuit triggers changes of the output signal state to NULL in response to the states of all the input signals becoming NULL.

Abstract: There is provided a fault tolerant clock system for a synchronous design using N-way combinatorial voting schemes for N greater than 3. The system comprises a plurality of clock circuits for generating clock signals and a voting circuit that is connected to each clock circuit for receiving the clock signals and generating an output signal. The voting circuit produces an output signal that is in agreement with a majority of the clock signals and maintains the output signal at a previous output level when the majority of the clock signals is not detected by the voting circuit. From another viewpoint, the voting circuit maintains the output signal at the previous current level when a minority of agreeing clock signals is not detected by the voting circuit.

Abstract: An interface circuit between NULL Convention Logic and non-NULL convention memory includes: a first conversion circuit which converts NULL convention address signals to non-NULL address signals. A non-NULL convention memory circuit, e.g., a conventional binary memory, generates non-NULL data signals in response to the non-NULL address signals. A second conversion circuit converts the non-NULL data signals to NULL convention data signals. A timing circuit controls DATA and NULL wavefronts to and through the non-NULL memory.

Abstract: The present invention defines a display driver for driving a flat panel display having rows and columns. The display driver has row and column drivers comprised of logic gates where each logic gate includes chalcogenide threshold switches. The logic gates of the present invention use a chalcogenide threshold switch as a means of discharging load capacitance and resetting logic gate output.

Abstract: A memory device includes a memory node (2) to which is connected a tunnel barrier configuration such that the node exhibits first and second quantized memory states for which the level of stored charge is limited by Coulomb Blockade and a surplus or shortfall of a small number of electrons for example ten electrons or even a single electron can be used to represent quantized memory states. A series of the nodes N0-N3 that are interconnected by tunnel barriers D can be arranged as a logic device. Clock waveforms V1-V3 applied to clock lines C1 1-C1 3 selectively alter the probability of charge carriers passing through the tunnel diodes D from node to node. An output device, typically a Coulomb blockade electrometer provides an output logical signal indicative of the logical state of node N3. Arrays of separately addressable memory cells M.sub.mn are also described, that utilize gated multiple tunnel junctions (MTJs) as their barrier configurations.

Abstract: A NULL convention threshold gate receives a plurality of inputs, each having an asserted state and a NULL state. The threshold gate switches its output to an asserted state when the number of asserted inputs exceeds a threshold number. The threshold gate switches its output to the NULL state only after all inputs have returned to NULL. Signal states may be implemented as distinct current levels.

Abstract: There are provided n operation circuits in a multiple-valued logic circuit which receives plural multiple-valued input logic signals corresponding to respective numeral values and outputs a multiple-valued output logic signal corresponding to a sum of the respective numeral values. The kth operation circuit includes multiple-input comparators generating carry signals, and multiple-input amplifiers performing weighted linear voltage adding operations on input signals at the kth digit, carry signals of the input signals at the kth digit, and carry signals from the (k-1)th digit where k is 0, 1, 2, . . . , n-1. The multiple-input amplifier has a feedback circuit having a capacitance. The multiple-input comparator and the multiple-input amplifier are connected to corresponding input signals through capacitances. A voltage gain of the multiple-input amplifier is based on a ratio of the capacitance through which the input signal is applied and the capacitance of the feedback circuit.

Abstract: A semiconductor device of simple circuit capable of comparing the magnitudes of plural data at a high speed. This device has an inverter circuits formed by neuron MOS transistors; means for applying to a first input gate of the inverter circuit a first signal voltage which is common to the inverters belong to the foregoing inverter circuit group; means for applying predetermined second signal voltage to one or more second inout gates other than the first input gate of the inverter; and means for detecting the variation of the output voltage in at least one inverter circuit of the inverter circuit group due to the variation with time of either the first or the second signal voltage or both, and for applying positive feedback to given inverters of the inverter circuit group according to the detection.

Abstract: A neural network circuit including a number n of weight coefficients (W1-Wn) corresponding to a number n of inputs, subtraction circuits for determining the difference between inputs and the weight coefficients in each input terminal, the result thereof being inputted into absolute value circuits, all calculation results of the absolute value circuits corresponding to the inputs and the weight coefficients being inputted into an addition circuit and accumulated, and this accumulation result determining the output valve. A threshold valve circuit determines the final output value, according to a step function pattern, a polygonal line pattern, or a sigmoid function pattern, depending on the object. In the case in which a neural network circuit is realized by means of digital circuits, the absolute value circuits can include simply EX-OR logic (exclusive OR) gates.

Abstract: A Josephson logic circuit includes a Josephson element inserted between an input terminal and a reference electric potential such as ground, a resistor inserted between the input terminal and an input of the next stage of the Josephson circuit, and a current source which supplies an offset current to the Josephson element. By adjusting the offset current, the Josephson logic circuit can be operated as an AND circuit, an OR circuit, or a majority logic circuit having a high input sensitivity.