A Programmable Majority Logic Array Using Molecular Scale Electronics

In recent years, many advances have been made in the development of molecular scale electronics which have inspired interest in using the devices thereof for memory and logic. This paper describes the design of a logic architecture using a particular class of molecular devices. Specifically, it is shown that the feature of hysteretic switching common to many molecular devices can be utilized to build programmable arrays. Also utilized in the designs presented here are molecular devices which exhibit negative differential resistance (NDR), a property useful for providing signal restoration at the nanoscale. This work begins by describing the potential for both programmability and NDR in molecular scale electronics. These ideas are then brought together in the design of a programmable logic array based on majority logic.