Programmable integrated crosspoint switch
US4949084A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 17, 1988 |
| Grant date | Aug 14, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 17, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH05K2201/10212
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An interconnection device in the form of a programmable integrated crosspoint switch includes a matrix of first and second pluralities of electrically conductive paths, e.g. an M line by N line matrix, and selectively permanently and affirmatively programmable switch elements for completing passive conductive circuit paths between one or more of the conductive paths of such first and second pluralities thereof. The programmable integrated crosspoint switch invention may be utilized in various hierarchical levels of interconnection. Each switch element is an irreversible semiconductor switching element, for example of high resistivity polycrystalline material, that initially is a high impedance and, thus, effectively presents an open circuit-like condition, and each may be programmed by applying an appropriate electrical input thereto exceeding a given threshold level, whereupon the element permanently takes on a low impedance characteristic and effectively becomes a closed or short circuit between a respective pair of conductive paths without the need for transistor driving, logic or other circuits for useful operation. Thus, the semiconductor elements provide selectable interconne…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.