Esaki Diode High-Speed Logical Circuits

Logical circuits using Esaki diodes, and which are based on a principle similar to parametron (subharmonic oscillator element) circuits, are described. Two diodes are used in series to form a basic element called a twin, and a binary digit is represented by the polarity of the potential induced at the middle point of the twin, which is controlled by the majority of input signals applied to the middle point. Unilateral transmission of information in circuits consisting of cascaded twins is achieved by dividing the twins into three groups and by energizing each group one after another in a cyclic manner. Experimental results with the clock frequency as high as 30 mc are reported. Also, a delay-line dynamic memory and a nondestructive memory in matrix form are discussed.