Stepping counter using resonant tunneling diodes
US5237596A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 8, 1991 |
| Grant date | Aug 17, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 8, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB82Y10/00
- WIPO fieldMicro-structural and nano-technology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A stepping counter using resonant tunneling diodes (RTDs). The stepping counter utilizes the periodic hysteresis characteristic of a device with folding characteristics such as a RTD connected in series with a resistance. The series circuit is biased in the upper portion of the hysteresis loop through a current source in the case of a step-up counter. When a positive-going pulse is applied through a capacitor across the series RTD-resistor circuit, the operating point jumps to the next highest stable operating point in the hysteresis loop responsive to the leading edge of the pulse, but is prevented from returning to the original operating point at the trailing edge of the pulse because of the hysteresis.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.