Method and apparatus for simultaneous processing of multiple functions

摘要

Electronic logic gates that operate using N logic state levels, where N is greater than 2, and methods of operating such gates. The electronic logic gates operate according to truth tables. At least two input signals each having a logic state that can range over more than two logic states are provided to the logic gates. The logic gates each provide an output signal that can have one of N logic states. Examples of gates described include NAND/NAND gates having two inputs A and B and NAND/NAND gates having three inputs A, B, and C, where A, B and C can take any of four logic states. Systems using such gates are described, and their operation illustrated. Optical logic gates that operate using N logic state levels are also described.

主权项

1. An electronic logic gate, comprising:
at least a first input terminal and a second input terminal, each input terminal configured to receive a respective electrical input multi-valued logic signal having one logic state selected from a number N of logic states, and an output terminal configured to provide an electrical output multi-valued logic signal having one logic state selected from a number N of logic states, where N is an integer greater than two; said electronic logic gate configured to perform simultaneously M Boolean logic operations, where M is an integer greater than one, using said electrical input multi-valued logic signals received at said at least said first input terminal and said second input terminal, said M Boolean logic operations defined by a multi-valued truth table.