Patent US4291390A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4291390A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Analog solid state memory
Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
•
Filing: 1979-09-28
•
Granted: 1981-09-22
•
Expires: 1999-09-28
Abstract
Abstract A solid state device capable of providing long-term storage of analog signals which in a particular embodiment utilizes a plurality of MNOS storage elements. An input analog signal is applied to a plurality of temporary storage means each associated with an MNOS storage element for temporarily storing a charge proportional to the amplitude of the portion of the input analog signal applied thereto. Storage control means are used to transfer the temporarily stored charges to the long-term MNOS storage elements so that controlled amounts of carrier charges are stored in the nitride layers thereof, such controlled amounts being substantially linearly proportional to the temporarily stored charges associated therewith. In a particular embodiment the input analog signal may be supplied via a surface acoustic wave (SAW) device and coupled to the MNOS device directly or it may be coupled to a charge-coupled device (CCD) and thence coupled to the MNOS device.
Inventors
- 👤 Ernest R. Stern
- 👤 Richard W. Ralston
- 👤 Daniel L. Smythe, Jr.
- 👤 Barry E. Burke
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 23:25
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11C; G11C27/00; G11C27/005; G11C8/00; G11C8/005
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 32
Claim 1
Independent Claim
202 words
An analog signal storage device comprising a plurality of storage elements, each comprising a semiconductor substrate having at least two layers, at least one of said layers having a non-linear current vs. field conductivity characteristic and at least one other layer being capable of storing carrier charges therein; a charge-coupled device having a plurality of storage wells, each associated with one of said plurality of storage elements; means for applying an analog signal to said charge-coupled device so that a charge is temporarily stored in each of the storage wells thereof, the charge in each of said storage wells being proportional to the amplitude of a portion of said analog signal which is applied to said charge-doupled device; storage control means for transferring the stored charges in each of the temporary storage wells of said charge-coupled device to said storage elements so that controlled amounts of carrier charges are stored in said at least one other layer of each of said storage elements, the controlled amounts of carrier charges stored in each said storage element being linearly proportional to the stored charges associated therewith and being stored for a time period longer than the time period of storage in said storage wells.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
202 words
An analog signal storage device comprising a plurality of storage elements, each comprising a semiconductor substrate having at least two layers, at least one of said layers having a non-linear current vs. field conductivity characteristic and at least one other layer being capable of storing carrier charges therein; a charge-coupled device having a plurality of storage wells, each associated with one of said plurality of storage elements; means for applying an analog signal to said charge-coupled device so that a charge is temporarily stored in each of the storage wells thereof, the charge in each of said storage wells being proportional to the amplitude of a portion of said analog signal which is applied to said charge-doupled device; storage control means for transferring the stored charges in each of the temporary storage wells of said charge-coupled device to said storage elements so that controlled amounts of carrier charges are stored in said at least one other layer of each of said storage elements, the controlled amounts of carrier charges stored in each said storage element being linearly proportional to the stored charges associated therewith and being stored for a time period longer than the time period of storage in said storage wells.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
43 words
An analog signal storage device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said semiconductor substrate has first and second dielectric layers, said first dielectric layer having said non-linear current vs. field conductivity characteristics and said second dielectric layer being capable of storing carrier charges.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
An analog signal storage device in accordance with claim 2 wherein said plurality of storage elements are metal-nitride-oxide-silicon storage elements wherein said first dielectric layer is a silicon oxide layer and said second dielectric layer is a silicon nitride layer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
44 words
An analog signal storage device in accordance with claims 2 or 3 wherein said analog signal applying means includes input circuit means of said charge-coupled device for applying said analog signal to the storage wells of said charge-coupled device to store said charges therein.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
129 words
An analog signal storage device in accordance with claim 4 and further including means for storing a pre-selected amount of carrier charges in said second dielectric layer of each of said storage elements before said analog signal is applied to said charge-coupled device; and said storage control means includes means for transferring the stored charges in each of said temporary storage wells to its associated storage element so as to controllably change the number of carrier charges which remain stored in said second dielectric layer of each of said storage elements, the controlled change in the number of carrier charges which remain stored being linearly proportional to the stored charges in the associated storage wells, whereby an inverted replica of said analog signal is stored in said storage elements.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
158 words
An analog signal device in accordance with claim 5 and further wherein said charge-coupled device includes means for storing a selected amount of charge in said storage wells after said analog signal has been stored in said storage elements; and each of said transferring means further provides means for transferring a sufficient portion of said stored selected amount of charge in said storage wells to its associated storage element to provide for equilibration of the stored selected amount of charge between each said storage well and its associated storage element, the charge remaining in each of said storage wells of said charge-coupled device after said equilibration being proportional to the controlled amount of carrier charge which previously remained stored in said second dielectric layer of the storage element associated therewith, whereby a replica of said analog signal is created in the storage wells of said charge-coupled device without destroying the controlled charge stored in said long-term storage element.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
46 words
A device in accordance with claim 6 and further including means for converting the said charge remaining in each of said storage wells of said charge-coupled device into voltage signals so as to provide a voltage replica of the analog signal stored in said storage elements.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
166 words
An analog signal storage device in accordance with claims 2 or 3 wherein said analog signal applying means includes a surface acoustic wave device; transducer means for applying said analog signal to said surface acoustic wave device to produce a travelling surface acoustic wave thereon, which surface acoustic wave represents said applied analog signal; a plurality of pick-up means responsive to the electric fields produced by said travelling surface acoustic wave for producing a plurality of signals the amplitudes of which represent selected portions of said travelling surface acoustic wave, said plurality of signals producing a plurality of corresponding charges stored in a plurality of signal storage wells; means for transferring the plurality of charges in said signal storage wells to the plurality of storage wells of said charge-coupled device to produce a charge which is stored in each of said storage wells, the charge in each of said storage wells being proportional to the amplitudes of said selected portions of said travelling surface acoustic wave.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
128 words
An analog signal storage device in accordance with claim 8 and further including means for storing a pre-selected amount of carrier charges in said second dielectric layer of each of said storage elements before said analog signal is applied to said charge-coupled device; and said storage control means includes means for transferring the stored charges in each of said storage wells to its associated storage element so as to controllably change the number of carrier charges which remain stored in said second dielectric layer of each of said storage elements, the controlled change in the number of carrier charges which remain stored being linearly proportional to the stored charges in the associated storage wells, whereby an inverted replica of said analog signal is stored in said storage elements.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
157 words
An analog signal device in accordance with claim 9 and further wherein said charge-coupled device includes means for storing a selected amount of charge in said storage wells after said analog signal has been stored in said storage elements; and each of said transferring means further provides means for transferring a sufficient portion of said stored selected amount of charge in said storage wells to its associated storage element to provide for equilibration of the stored selected amount of charge between each said storage well and its associated storage element, the charge remaining in each of said storage wells of said charge-coupled device after said equilibration being proportional to the controlled amount of carrier charge which previously remained stored in said second dielectric layer of the storage element associated therewith, whereby a replica of said analog signal is created in the storage wells of said charge-coupled device without destroying the controlled charge stored in said storage element.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
46 words
A device in accordance with claim 10 and further including means for converting the said charge remaining in each of said storage wells of said charge-coupled device into voltage signals so as to provide a voltage replica of the analog signal stored in said storage elements.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
33 words
An analog signal storage device in accordance with claim 5 wherein said pre-selected amount of carrier charges stored in said second dielectric layer is substantially the saturated amount which can be so stored.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
73 words
An analog signal storage device in accordance with claims 5 or 12 wherein the pre-selected amount of carrier charges stored in said second dielectric layer have first polarity and further wherein the transfer of said stored charges by said transferring means causes a controlled amount of carrier charges to tunnel through said first dielectric layer to produce a controlled net change in the carrier charges which remain stored in said second dielectric layer.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
150 words
An analog storage device in accordance with claim 8 wherein said surface acoustic wave is a first acoustic wave which travels in a first direction and further including means for applying a second analog signal to said surface acoustic wave device to produce a second acoustic wave thereon which travels in a second direction opposite to said first direction and represents said second analog signal; means for applying a third analog signal to said charge-coupled device to produce charges in the storage wells of said charge-coupled device representing said third analog signal which has a spatial variation and which is invariant in time, said first and second acoustic wave signals and said spatially varying, time invariant signal interacting to produce a triple product correlation; and output means responsive to said interacting signals for providing a voltage output which is a replica of the triple product correlation of said interacting signals.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
133 words
An analog storage device in accordance with claim 8 wherein said surface acoustic wave is a first acoustic wave which travels in a first direction and further including means for applying a second analog signal to said surface acoustic wave device to produce a second acoustic wave thereon, which travels in a second direction opposite to said first direction and represents said second analog signal; means for applying a third analog signal which is time varying and which is spatially uniform to said plurality of pick-up means said time varying, spatially uniform signal interacting with said first and second analog signals to form a triple product correlation; and output means responsive to said interacting signals for providing a voltage output which is a replica of the triple product correlation of said interacting signals.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
215 words
An analog signal storage device comprising a plurality of storage elements, each comprising a semiconductor substrate having at least two layers, at least one of said layers having a non-linear current vs. field conductivity characteristic and at least one other layer being capable of storing carrier charges therein; a surface acoustic wave device; transducer means for applying an analog signal to said surface acoustic wave device to produce a travelling surface acoustic wave thereon, which surface acoustic wave represents said applied analog signal; a plurality of pick-up means responsive to the electric fields produced by said travelling surface acoustic wave for producing a plurality of signals the amplitudes of which represent selected portions of said travelling surface acoustic wave, said plurality of signals producing a plurality of corresponding charges stored in a plurality of signal storage wells; means for transferring said stored charges in each of said signal storage wells to said storage elements so that controlled amounts of carrier charges are stored in said at least one other layer of each of said storage elements, the controlled amounts of carrier charges stored in each said storage element being linearly proportional to the stored charges associated therewith and being stored for a time period longer than the time period of storage in said storage wells.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
215 words
An analog signal storage device comprising a plurality of storage elements, each comprising a semiconductor substrate having at least two layers, at least one of said layers having a non-linear current vs. field conductivity characteristic and at least one other layer being capable of storing carrier charges therein; a surface acoustic wave device; transducer means for applying an analog signal to said surface acoustic wave device to produce a travelling surface acoustic wave thereon, which surface acoustic wave represents said applied analog signal; a plurality of pick-up means responsive to the electric fields produced by said travelling surface acoustic wave for producing a plurality of signals the amplitudes of which represent selected portions of said travelling surface acoustic wave, said plurality of signals producing a plurality of corresponding charges stored in a plurality of signal storage wells; means for transferring said stored charges in each of said signal storage wells to said storage elements so that controlled amounts of carrier charges are stored in said at least one other layer of each of said storage elements, the controlled amounts of carrier charges stored in each said storage element being linearly proportional to the stored charges associated therewith and being stored for a time period longer than the time period of storage in said storage wells.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
43 words
An analog signal storage device in accordance with claim 16 wherein said semiconductor substrate has first and second dielectric layers, said first dielectric layer having said non-linear current vs. field conductivity characteristics and said second dielectric layer being capable of storing carrier charges.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
40 words
An analog signal storage device in accordance with claim 17 wherein said plurality of storage elements are metal-nitride-oxide-silicon storage elements wherein said first dielectric layer is a silicon oxide layer and said second dielectric layer is a silicon nitride layer.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
134 words
An analog signal storage device in accordance with claims 17 or 18 and further including means for storing a pre-selected amount of carrier charges in said second dielectric layer of each of said storage elements before said analog signal is applied to said surface acoustic wave device; and said storage control means includes means for transferring the stored charge in each of said signal storage wells to its associated storage element so as to controllably change the number of carrier charges which remain stored in said second dielectric layer of each of said storage elements, the controlled change in the number of carrier charges which remained stored being linearly proportional to the stored charges in the associated signal storage wells, whereby an inverted replica of said analog signal is stored in said storage elements.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
155 words
A device in accordance with claim 19 and further wherein each of said signal storage wells further provides means for storing a selected amount of charge therein after said analog signal has been stored in said storage elements; and each of said transferring means further provides means for transferring a sufficient portion of said stored selected amount of charge in said signal storage wells to the well of their associated storage elements to provide for equilibration of the stored selected amount of charge between each said signal storage well and its associated storage element, the charge remaining in each of said signal storage wells after said equilibration being proportional to the controlled amount of carrier charge which previously remained stored in said second dielectric layer of the storage element associated therewith, whereby a replica of said analog signal is created in the temporary storage means without destroying the controlled charge stored in said storage element.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
43 words
A device in accordance with claim 20 and further including means for converting the said charges remaining in each of said signal storage wells into voltage signals so as to provide a voltage replica of the analog signal stored in said storage elements.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
23 words
A device in accordance with claims 7, 11 or 21 and further including means for converting said voltage replica to an optical image.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
227 words
An analog signal storage device comprising a plurality of storage elements, each comprising a semiconductor substrate having at least two layers, at least one of said layers having a non-linear current vs. field conductivity characteristic and at least one other layer being capable of storing carrier charges therein; a charge-coupled device having a plurality of storage wells, each associated with one of said plurality of storage elements; means for providing a travelling surface acoustic wave signal thereon, which surface acoustic wave signal represents an input analog signal; means responsive to the electric fields associated with said travelling surface acoustic wave signal for coupling said electric fields to said charge-coupled devices so that a charge is stored in each of the storage wells thereof, the charge in each of said storage wells being proportional to the amplitude of a portion of the analog input signal represented thereby; storage control means for transferring the stored charges in each of the storage wells of said charge-coupled device to said storage elements so that controlled amounts of carrier charges are stored in said second dielectric layer of each of said storage elements, the controlled amounts of carrier charges stored in each said storage element being linearly proportional to the stored charges associated therewith and being stored for a time period longer than the time period of storage in said storage wells.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
227 words
An analog signal storage device comprising a plurality of storage elements, each comprising a semiconductor substrate having at least two layers, at least one of said layers having a non-linear current vs. field conductivity characteristic and at least one other layer being capable of storing carrier charges therein; a charge-coupled device having a plurality of storage wells, each associated with one of said plurality of storage elements; means for providing a travelling surface acoustic wave signal thereon, which surface acoustic wave signal represents an input analog signal; means responsive to the electric fields associated with said travelling surface acoustic wave signal for coupling said electric fields to said charge-coupled devices so that a charge is stored in each of the storage wells thereof, the charge in each of said storage wells being proportional to the amplitude of a portion of the analog input signal represented thereby; storage control means for transferring the stored charges in each of the storage wells of said charge-coupled device to said storage elements so that controlled amounts of carrier charges are stored in said second dielectric layer of each of said storage elements, the controlled amounts of carrier charges stored in each said storage element being linearly proportional to the stored charges associated therewith and being stored for a time period longer than the time period of storage in said storage wells.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
208 words
An analog signal storage device comprising a plurality of storage elements, each comprising a semiconductor substrate having at least two layers, at least one of said layers having a non-linear current vs. field conductivity characteristic and at least one other layer being capable of storing carrier charges therein; means for providing a travelling surface acoustic wave signal thereon, which surface acoustic wave signal represents an input analog signal; means responsive to the electric fields associated with said travelling surface acoustic wave signal for said electric fields to a plurality of signal storage wells so that a charge is stored in each of said signal storage wells, the charge in each of said signal storage wells being proportional to the amplitude of a portion of the analog input signal represented thereby; means for transferring said stored charges in each of said signal storage wells to said storage elements so that controlled amounts of carrier charges are stored in said at least one other layer of each of said storage elements, the controlled amounts of carrier charges stored in each said storage element being linearly proportional to the stored charges associated therewith and being stored for a time period longer than the time period of storage in said storage wells.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
208 words
An analog signal storage device comprising a plurality of storage elements, each comprising a semiconductor substrate having at least two layers, at least one of said layers having a non-linear current vs. field conductivity characteristic and at least one other layer being capable of storing carrier charges therein; means for providing a travelling surface acoustic wave signal thereon, which surface acoustic wave signal represents an input analog signal; means responsive to the electric fields associated with said travelling surface acoustic wave signal for said electric fields to a plurality of signal storage wells so that a charge is stored in each of said signal storage wells, the charge in each of said signal storage wells being proportional to the amplitude of a portion of the analog input signal represented thereby; means for transferring said stored charges in each of said signal storage wells to said storage elements so that controlled amounts of carrier charges are stored in said at least one other layer of each of said storage elements, the controlled amounts of carrier charges stored in each said storage element being linearly proportional to the stored charges associated therewith and being stored for a time period longer than the time period of storage in said storage wells.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
226 words
An analog storage device comprising a surface acoustic wave device, first means for applying a first analog signal to said surface acoustic wave device to produce a first travelling surface acoustic wave signal thereon, which first surface acoustic wave signal travels in a first direction and represents said first applied analog signal; second means for applying a second analog signal to said surface acoustic wave device to produce a second travelling surface acoustic wave signal thereon, which second surface acoustic wave signal travels in a second direction and represents said second applied analog signal; a charge-coupled device having a plurality of storage wells; means for applying a third analog signal to said charge-coupled device to produce charges in the storage wells of said charge-coupled device representing said third analog signal which has a spatial variation and which is invariant in time; a plurality of pick-up means responsive to the electric field product of said first and second travelling acoustic wave signals and to the charges in said storage wells of said charge-coupled device for permitting the interaction of said first and second acoustic wave signals and said spatially varying, time invariant signal to produce a triple product correlation; and output means responsive to said interacting signals for providing a voltage output acoustic wave which is a replica of the triple product correlation of said interacting signals.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
226 words
An analog storage device comprising a surface acoustic wave device, first means for applying a first analog signal to said surface acoustic wave device to produce a first travelling surface acoustic wave signal thereon, which first surface acoustic wave signal travels in a first direction and represents said first applied analog signal; second means for applying a second analog signal to said surface acoustic wave device to produce a second travelling surface acoustic wave signal thereon, which second surface acoustic wave signal travels in a second direction and represents said second applied analog signal; a charge-coupled device having a plurality of storage wells; means for applying a third analog signal to said charge-coupled device to produce charges in the storage wells of said charge-coupled device representing said third analog signal which has a spatial variation and which is invariant in time; a plurality of pick-up means responsive to the electric field product of said first and second travelling acoustic wave signals and to the charges in said storage wells of said charge-coupled device for permitting the interaction of said first and second acoustic wave signals and said spatially varying, time invariant signal to produce a triple product correlation; and output means responsive to said interacting signals for providing a voltage output acoustic wave which is a replica of the triple product correlation of said interacting signals.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
183 words
An analog storage device comprising a surface acoustic wave device, first means for applying a first analog signal to said surface acoustic wave device to produce a first travelling surface acoustic wave signal thereon, which first surface acoustic wave signal travels in a first direction and represents said first applied analog signal; second means for applying a second analog signal to said surface acoustic wave device to produce a second travelling surface acoustic wave signal thereon, which second surface acoustic wave signal travels in a second direction and represents said second applied analog signal; a charge-coupled device having a plurality of storage wells; a plurality of pick-up means responsive to the electric fields of the signals; means for applying a third analog signal which is time varying and spatially uniform to said plurality of pick-up means, said first and second acoustic wave signals and said time varying, spatially uniform signals interacting to form a triple product correlation; and output means responsive to said interacting signals for providing a voltage output which is a replica of the triple product correlation of said interacting signals.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
183 words
An analog storage device comprising a surface acoustic wave device, first means for applying a first analog signal to said surface acoustic wave device to produce a first travelling surface acoustic wave signal thereon, which first surface acoustic wave signal travels in a first direction and represents said first applied analog signal; second means for applying a second analog signal to said surface acoustic wave device to produce a second travelling surface acoustic wave signal thereon, which second surface acoustic wave signal travels in a second direction and represents said second applied analog signal; a charge-coupled device having a plurality of storage wells; a plurality of pick-up means responsive to the electric fields of the signals; means for applying a third analog signal which is time varying and spatially uniform to said plurality of pick-up means, said first and second acoustic wave signals and said time varying, spatially uniform signals interacting to form a triple product correlation; and output means responsive to said interacting signals for providing a voltage output which is a replica of the triple product correlation of said interacting signals.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4070652A
Cited
US4101965A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-09-21 | 1985-03-23 | 1985-09-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-09-21 | 1989-03-23 | 1989-09-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-09-21 | 1993-03-23 | 1993-09-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |