Europhys. Lett., 66 (6) , pp. 895-901 (2004)
DOI: 10.1209/epl/i2003-10270-4

A universal gate for magnetologic computers

C. Pampuch, A. Ney and R. Koch

Paul-Drude-Institut für Festkörperelektronik Hausvogteiplatz 5-7, D-10117 Berlin, Germany

koch@pdi-berlin.de

(Received 20 November 2003; accepted in final form 21 April 2004)

Abstract
Nowadays logic gates of computers are based on transistors and increasing the computational power means increasing their integration density. Among others, the utilization of magnetism is a promising alternative. We propose a magnetologic gate consisting of a single magnetoresistive element with three independent inputs as a versatile universal gate for computing. Each of these gates can represent one out of at least ten logic functions, among them the four basic and two reversible ones. The functionality can be pre-programmed at run-time and the output is non-volatile. The increased functionality and flexibility as well as the drastically reduced number of computing elements may induce a paradigm shift in microprocessor layout and operation.

PACS
85.75.Ff - Reprogrammable magnetic logic.
85.75.Bb - Magnetic memory using giant magnetoresistance.
85.75.Dd - Magnetic memory using magnetic tunnel junctions.

© EDP Sciences 2004

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