VOLTAGE-CONTROLLED RESISTOR BASED ON PHASE TRANSITION MATERIALS

摘要

A voltage-controlled resistor is provided. The resistor structure includes first and second resistive elements each including a phase change material that changes resistance in response to a change in temperature of the phase change material. A heating element is arranged in thermal contact with the first and second resistive elements. A control circuit receives a selected input voltage and supplies power based on the selected input voltage to the heating element to heat the first and second resistive elements to a selected temperature. The first and second resistive elements, which are proximate to and electrically isolated from each other, have a selected resistance at the selected temperature. A feedback circuit senses a change in temperature of the first resistive element and adjusts power supplied to the heating element based on the change in temperature of the first resistive element to maintain a resistance of the second resistive element at the selected resistance.

主权项

1. A system comprising:
a first resistive element including a phase change material that changes resistance in response to a change in temperature of the phase change material; a second resistive element including the phase change material arranged in thermal contact with and electrically isolated from the first resistive element; and a heating element arranged proximate to and in thermal contact with the first and second resistive elements; a control circuit electrically coupled to the heating element, the control circuit is configured to receive an input voltage and operates to supply power to the heating element, wherein power supplied to the heating element changes resistances of the second resistive element linearly and continuously within a range of resistance values in accordance to magnitude of the input voltage; and a feedback circuit that senses resistance of the first resistive element and adjusts power supplied by the control circuit to the heating element to maintain a linear relationship between the input voltage and resistance of the second resistive element.