Non-volatile counter utilizing a ferroelectric capacitor

摘要

A counter that can include a plurality of count stages is disclosed. Each count stage includes a ferroelectric capacitor characterized by first and second polarization states, a variable impedance element, reset and count ports and a detector. The variable impedance element has an impedance between first and second switch terminals that is determined by a signal on a control terminal, the ferroelectric capacitor being connected between the control terminal and the first switch terminal. A reset signal coupled to the control terminal causes the ferroelectric capacitor to be polarized in the first polarization state. The count port is configured to receive pulses to be counted, the count port being connected to the first switch terminal by a conductive load. The detector generates a count complete signal if a potential on the first terminal exceeds a threshold value while the count port is receiving one of the pulses.

主权项

1. An apparatus comprising:
a first count stage comprising: a ferroelectric capacitor characterized by first and second polarization states; a variable impedance element having an impedance between first and second switch terminals that is determined by a signal on a control terminal, said ferroelectric capacitor being connected between said control terminal and said first switch terminal; a reset port configured to connect a reset signal to said control terminal, said reset signal causing said ferroelectric capacitor to be polarized in said first polarization state; a count port configured to receive pulses to be counted, said count port being connected to said first switch terminal by a conductive load; and a detector that generates a count complete signal if a potential on said first switch terminal exceeds a threshold value while said count port is receiving one of said pulses.