Multiple-valued programmable logic array based on a resonant-tunneling diode model

Toward the age of ultra-high-density digital ULSI systems, the development of new integrated circuits suitable for an ultimately fine geometry feature size will be an important issue. Resonant-tunneling (RT) diodes and transistors based on quantum effects in deep submicron geometry are such kinds of key devices in the next-generation ULSI systems. From this point of view, there has been recognized that RT functional devices with multiple peaks in the current-voltage (I-V) characteristic are inherently suitable for implementing multiple valued circuits such as a multiple-state memory cell.