Memory devices
First Claim
1. A memory device including an array of bridge-type resonant members adapted to vibrate in response to an applied Lorentz force in order to represent data, wherein a common electrical conductor extends along the lengths of a plurality of resonant members in the array and forms part of excitation circuitry for coupling with an applied excitation signal and causing vibration of the resonant members.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A passive memory device includes a plurality of resonant members, e.g. of a cantilever or bridge-type form, that may have different resonant frequencies and that may be held against vibrations by end or side tethers. Data may be recorded in the device by removing various of the tethers, so that, on applying an excitation signal, e.g. from a transmitter, untethered resonant members vibrate strongly in response to their resonant frequencies, and provide a response signal that can be picked up e.g. by a receiver and correlated with the excitation signal frequencies to determine which resonant members have been untethered. The response by an untethered resonant member can correspond to a logical “1”, whilst the lack of a response signal at a known resonant member frequency can correspond to a logical “0”, or vice versa. The device may be made using MEMS technology, and various device structures and excitation/detection methods are disclosed including the use of excitation/detection circuitry within the device and the use of magnetic, Lorentz, electrostatic and/or piezoelectric forces.
13 Citations
27 Claims
- 1. A memory device including an array of bridge-type resonant members adapted to vibrate in response to an applied Lorentz force in order to represent data, wherein a common electrical conductor extends along the lengths of a plurality of resonant members in the array and forms part of excitation circuitry for coupling with an applied excitation signal and causing vibration of the resonant members.
Specification