Abstractmanship

The authors will describe a practical solid-state device for the implementation of majority logic. The increasing importance and utilization of majority logic in logical design has necessitated the investigation and evaluation of highly linear devices and techniques. The Linotron is a solid-state device that can be made by both film and bulk techniques. High accuracy and high linearity are theoretically possible. A detailed theory of operation has been worked out. The theoretical approach is backed up by considerable experimental evidence using various materials for its implementation. Preliminary investigation indicates that the reliability of this device should be higher than that of most active circuits; since the operation is based upon the flow of majority carriers, high reliability can be obtained without special packaging techniques or hermetic seals. Equivalent circuits for the device have been determined and the description of operation will be discussed in light of these circuits. The characteristics of various modifications in the device will be examined in light of thermal characteristics. It appears that the process can be easily adopted to mass production techniques and an extremely low cost logic element can result. It is felt that this unique device will make the utilization of majority logic practical in large applications.