Multi-terminal phase change devices
US8822967B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 28, 2012 |
| Grant date | Sep 2, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 28, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH10N70/066
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Phase change devices, particularly multi-terminal phase change devices, include first and second active terminals bridged together by a phase-change material whose conductivity can be modified in accordance with a control signal applied to a control electrode. Structure allows application in which an electrical connection can be created between two active terminals, with control of the connection being effected using a separate terminal or terminals. Accordingly, the resistance of the heater element can be increased independently from the resistance of the path between the two active terminals, allowing use of smaller heater elements thus requiring less current to create the same amount of Joule heating per unit area. The resistance of the heating element does not impact the total resistance of the phase change device. Programming control can be placed outside of main signal path through the phase change device, reducing impact of associated capacitance and resistance of the device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.