US5159661A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Vertically interconnected parallel distributed processor
Assignee: Ovonyx Inc
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Filing: 1990-10-05
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Granted: 1992-10-27
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Expires: 2010-10-05
Abstract
Abstract A parallel distributed processor comprises matrices of unit cells arranged in a stacked configuration. Each unit cell includes a chalcogenide body which may be set and reset to a plurality of values of a given physical property. Interconnections between the unit cells are established via the chalcogenide materials and the pattern and strength of the interconnections is determined by the set values of the chalcogenide. The processor is readily adapted to the construction of neural network computing systems.
Inventors
- 👤 Stanford R. Ovshinsky
- 👤 Guy Wicker
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 18:31
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11C; G11C11/00; G11C11/56; G11C11/5678; G06; G06N; G06N3/00; G06N3/02; G06N3/06; G06N3/063; G06N3/065; G11C11/54; G11C13/00; G11C13/0002; G11C13/0004
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 34
Claim 1
Independent Claim
247 words
A parallel processing network comprising: (A) means for a parallel input of a plurality of data; and (B) parallel distributed processing means operative to receive and process said parallel input of said plurality of data, said processing means including: (1) a three-dimensional array of stacked planes of a plurality of unit cells; each of said unit cells is a single repetition of a repetitive, three-dimensional electrically interconnected pattern; each unit cell including: (a) data input means; (b) data output means; and (c) a body of chalcogenide based material which is characterized by the capability of being selectively and reversibly set to any particular distinguishable value within a range of distinguishable values of a given physical property, said body of chalcogenide material disposed so as to establish communication between said data input means and said data output means; and (2) means for establishing communication between the data output means of a first one of said unit cells in a first one of said stacked planes and the data input means of a second one of said unit cells in a second one of said stacked planes, said communication occurring through the body of chalcogenide based material of at least one of said unit cells, whereby the strength of the connection between said first and second unit cells is determined by the particular distinguishable value, within said range of distinguishable values of said physical property, to which the body of chalcogenide material, through which said communication occurs, is set.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
247 words
A parallel processing network comprising: (A) means for a parallel input of a plurality of data; and (B) parallel distributed processing means operative to receive and process said parallel input of said plurality of data, said processing means including: (1) a three-dimensional array of stacked planes of a plurality of unit cells; each of said unit cells is a single repetition of a repetitive, three-dimensional electrically interconnected pattern; each unit cell including: (a) data input means; (b) data output means; and (c) a body of chalcogenide based material which is characterized by the capability of being selectively and reversibly set to any particular distinguishable value within a range of distinguishable values of a given physical property, said body of chalcogenide material disposed so as to establish communication between said data input means and said data output means; and (2) means for establishing communication between the data output means of a first one of said unit cells in a first one of said stacked planes and the data input means of a second one of said unit cells in a second one of said stacked planes, said communication occurring through the body of chalcogenide based material of at least one of said unit cells, whereby the strength of the connection between said first and second unit cells is determined by the particular distinguishable value, within said range of distinguishable values of said physical property, to which the body of chalcogenide material, through which said communication occurs, is set.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
A network as in claim 1, further comprising means for setting and resetting said body of chalcogenide based material to one of said range of distinguishable values.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
A network as in claim 2, wherein said means for setting and resetting comprises means for applying an electrical signal to said body of chalcogenide based material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
A network as in claim 3, wherein said means for applying an electrical signal to said body of chalcogenide based material is in electrical communication with the data input means of the unit cell.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
A network as in claim 3, wherein said means for applying an electrical signal to said body of chalcogenide based material is in electrical communication with the data output means of at least one other unit cell.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
A network as in claim 2, wherein said means for setting and resetting said body of chalcogenide based material includes a field effect transistor.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
A network as in claim 6, wherein the gate of said field effect transistor is in electrical communication with the data output means of at least one other unit cell.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
A network as in claim 1, wherein each unit cell further includes isolation means disposed in series with said body of chalcogenide based material.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
A network as in claim 8, wherein said isolation means comprises a transistor.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
A network as in claim 9, wherein said transistor is a field effect transistor.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
A network as in claim 8, wherein said isolation device is a diode.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
14 words
A network as in claim 11, wherein said diode is a polycrystalline silicon diode.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
13 words
A network as in claim 11, wherein said diode is a microcrystalline diode.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
27 words
A network as in claim 1, wherein said means for the parallel input of a plurality of data comprises means for the parallel input of electrical data.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
27 words
A network as in claim 1, wherein the means for the parallel input of a plurality of data comprises means for the parallel input of optical data.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
26 words
A network as in claim 15, wherein the means for the parallel input of optical data further includes means for converting optical data to electrical data.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
24 words
A network as in claim 16, wherein said means for converting optical data to electrical data includes a photoresponsive body of silicon alloy material.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
32 words
A network as in claim 1, wherein said means for the parallel input of data further includes means for sensing a preselected chemical species and generating an electrical signal in response thereto.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
26 words
A network as in claim 1, wherein said body of chalcogenide based material is selectively and reversibly settable over a range of values of electrical resistivity.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
27 words
A network as in claim 1, wherein the body of chalcogenide based material is selectively and reversibly settable over a range of values of an optical property.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
26 words
A network as in claim 1, wherein said body of chalcogenide based material is selectively and reversibly settable over a range of values of electrical capacitance.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
27 words
A network as in claim 1, wherein said body of chalcogenide based material is selectively and reversibly settable over a range of values of a magnetic property.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
14 words
A network as in claim 1, wherein said chalcogenide based body further includes carbon.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
14 words
A network as in claim 1, wherein said chalcogenide based body further includes silicon.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
14 words
A network as in claim 1, wherein said chalcogenide based body further includes germanium.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
14 words
A network as in claim 1, wherein said chalcogenide based body further includes tin.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
14 words
A network as in claim 1, wherein said chalcogenide based body further includes lead.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
14 words
A network as in claim 1, wherein said chalcogenide based body further includes phosphorus.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
14 words
A network as in claim 1, wherein said chalcogenide based body further includes arsenic.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
14 words
A network as in claim 1, wherein said chalcogenide based body further includes antimony.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
14 words
A network as in claim 1, wherein said chalcogenide based body further includes fluorine.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
14 words
A network as in claim 1, wherein said chalcogenide based body further includes bismuth.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
75 words
A network as in claim 1, wherein said data input means is an excitory data input means and wherein said each unit cell further includes second data input means for the input of inhibitory data and a second body of chalcogenide based material selectively and reversibly settable over a range of distinguishable valves of a given physical property, disposed so as to establish communication between said second data input means and said data output means.
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) | 1995-10-27 | 1996-04-27 | 1996-10-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-10-27 | 2000-04-27 | 2000-10-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-10-27 | 2004-04-27 | 2004-10-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |