Multiple-valued logic-in-memory VLSI based on a floating-gate-MOS pass-transistor network

A logic-in-memory structure, in which storage functions are distributed over a logic-circuit plane, is a solution to the communication bottleneck between memory and logic modules, one of the most serious problems in recent deep submicron VLSI systems technology. This logic-in-memory VLSI based on floating-gate MOS transistors merges storage and switching functions in a multiple-valued-input and binary-output combinational logic circuit that is useful for the realization of parallel arithmetic and logic circuits. The paper presents a general structure of a 4-valued-input and binary-output combinational logic circuit. It has two kinds of inputs, external and stored constant inputs. In the logic-in-memory VLSI, a large number of stored data are distributed in not only word-parallel but also in digit parallel manners.