Nonvolatile programmable switch
US5818316A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 15, 1997 |
| Grant date | Oct 6, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 15, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11C23/00
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A nonvolatile programmable switch includes first and second magnetizable conductors having first and second ends, respectively, each of which is a north or south pole. The ends are mounted for relative movement between a first position in which they are in contact and a second position in which they are insulated from each other. The first conductor is permanently magnetized and the second conductor is switchable in response to a magnetic field applied thereto. Programming means are associated with the second conductor for switchably magnetizing the second conductor so that the second end is alternatively a north or south pole. The first and second ends are held in the first position by magnetic attraction and in the second position by magnetic repulsion.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.