US4926367A
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Method and apparatus for programmable optical crossbar logic array with decoders
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1989-04-07
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Granted: 1990-05-15
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Expires: 2009-04-07
Abstract
Abstract Arrangements and methods for the design of a hybrid optical/electronic system that implements logic or computing functions. The system consists of a programmable hybrid optical/electronic INVERT-OR-INVERT-OR logic array that is functionally equivalent to a conventional AND-OR electronic programmable logic array (PLA) device with decoders. In the hybrid system, electronic decoders send spatially coded binary input information to a row of optical emitters. A programmable optical crossbar is then employed to perform a row by row INVERT-OR operation. Light emerging from the crossbar impinges on a column of optical detectors, and the individual detector outputs are subsequently INVERTED electronically. One or more of the resulting signals are then electronically or optically OR'd together.
Inventors
- 👤 Raymond Arrathoon
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 18:19
CPC Classifications
H; H03; H03K; H03K19/00; H03K19/02; H03K19/14; G; G06; G06E; G06E1/00; G06E1/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
141 words
A hybrid optical/electronic INVERT-OR-INVERT logic array, comprising: decoder means for converting n binary input signals to m optical output signals, where m and n are each positive integers having a value of at least two; first means for effecting a fan-out of said m optical output signals; first means for effecting an optical INVERT of said m optical output signals, such that separate switching functions are performed on each of said m distinct optical signals; first means for effecting a fan-in of said fanned-out optical signals from said first means for effecting an optical INVERT, including means for effecting individual optical OR operations such that q 1 output signals result, where q 1 is a positive integer of at least one; and first means for INVERTING each of said q 1 output signals such that q 1 inverted signals are produced.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
141 words
A hybrid optical/electronic INVERT-OR-INVERT logic array, comprising: decoder means for converting n binary input signals to m optical output signals, where m and n are each positive integers having a value of at least two; first means for effecting a fan-out of said m optical output signals; first means for effecting an optical INVERT of said m optical output signals, such that separate switching functions are performed on each of said m distinct optical signals; first means for effecting a fan-in of said fanned-out optical signals from said first means for effecting an optical INVERT, including means for effecting individual optical OR operations such that q 1 output signals result, where q 1 is a positive integer of at least one; and first means for INVERTING each of said q 1 output signals such that q 1 inverted signals are produced.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
73 words
A hybrid optical/electronic logic array, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first means for effecting an optical INVERT includes spatial light modulator means having a plurality of regions individually switchable between an optically transparent state and an optically opaque state for programmably switching the state of at least selected ones of said m distinct optical signals by selectively switching one or more regions between the transparent state and the opaque state.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
A hybrid optical/electronic logic array, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first means for effecting an optical INVERT includes individual optical connection paths which each are individually switchable between an optically transmissive state and an optically opaque state.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
39 words
A hybrid optical electronic logic array, as set forth in claim 3, wherein said individually switchable optical connection paths each includes a pixel, each of said pixels being switchable between an optically transmissive state and an optically opaque state.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
A hybrid optical/electronic logic array, as set forth in claim 1, further comprising: means for effecting a single-output multiple-input OR operation on said q 1 inverted signals.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
A hybrid optical/electronic logic array, as set forth in claim 5, wherein said q 1 inverted signals are electrical signals.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
119 words
A hybrid optical/electronic logic array, as set forth in claim 1, further comprising: second means for effecting a fan-out of said m optical output signals; second means for effecting an optical INVERT of said m optical output signals such that separate switching functions are performed on each of said m distinct optical signals; second means for effecting a fan-in of said fanned-out optical signals from said second means for effecting an optical INVERT, including means for effecting individual optical OR operations such that q 2 output signals result where q 2 is a positive integer of at least one; and second means for INVERTING each of said q 2 output signals such that q 2 inverted signals are produced.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
63 words
A hybrid optical/electronic INVERT-OR-INVERT logic array, as set forth in claim 7, further comprising: first means for effecting a final single-output multiple-input OR operation on said q 1 inverted signals; and second means for effecting a final single-output multiple-input OR operation on said q 2 inverted signals, whereby two distinct output signals are produced by the array from the n binary input signals.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
41 words
A hybrid optical/electronic logic array, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said decoder means has at least two decoders, each of said decoders having at least one input for each binary input signal and having at least two parallel outputs.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
39 words
A hybrid optical/electronic logic array, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said decoder means has at least one decoder, said decoder having parallel inputs for at least two binary input signals and having at least four parallel outputs.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
39 words
A hybrid optical/electronic logic array, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said decoder means has at least one decoder, said decoder having parallel inputs for at least three binary input signals and having at least eight parallel outputs.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
130 words
A hybrid optical/electronic INVERT-OR-INVERT logic array, comprising: means for providing m optical signals, where m is a positive integer having a value of at least two; means for effecting a fan-out of said m optical signals; means for effecting an optical INVERT of said m optical signals, such that separate switching functions are performed on each of m distinct optical signals; means for effecting a fan-in of said fanned-out optical signals from said means for effecting an optical INVERT, including means for effecting individual optical OR operations such that q1 output signals result, where q1 is a positive integer of at least one; and means for INVERTING each of said q 1 output signals such that q 1 inverted signals are produced, said q 1 inverted signals being electrical signals.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
130 words
A hybrid optical/electronic INVERT-OR-INVERT logic array, comprising: means for providing m optical signals, where m is a positive integer having a value of at least two; means for effecting a fan-out of said m optical signals; means for effecting an optical INVERT of said m optical signals, such that separate switching functions are performed on each of m distinct optical signals; means for effecting a fan-in of said fanned-out optical signals from said means for effecting an optical INVERT, including means for effecting individual optical OR operations such that q1 output signals result, where q1 is a positive integer of at least one; and means for INVERTING each of said q 1 output signals such that q 1 inverted signals are produced, said q 1 inverted signals being electrical signals.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
25 words
A hybrid optical/electronic INVERT-OR-INVERT logic array, as set forth in claim 12, wherein said means for effecting an optical INVERT includes a spatial light modulator.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-05-14 | 1993-11-13 | 1994-05-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-05-14 | 1997-11-13 | 1998-05-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-05-14 | 2001-11-13 | 2002-05-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |