Frequency-tunable nano-oscillator based on Ovonic Threshold Switch (OTS)

TL;DR

This paper introduces a scalable, frequency-tunable nano-oscillator using an Ovonic threshold switch and FET, demonstrating adjustable natural frequency, synchronization, and phase control for oscillator-based computing.

Contribution

It presents a novel nano-oscillator design with tunable frequency and synchronization capabilities, advancing energy-efficient oscillator-based computing systems.

Findings

Natural frequency adjustable from 0.5 to 2 MHz

Frequency locking to input signal near natural frequency

Phase control through coupling strength in oscillator network

Abstract

Nano-oscillator devices are gaining more and more attention as a prerequisite for developing novel energy-efficient computing systems based on coupled oscillators. Here, we introduce a highly scalable, frequency-tunable nano-oscillator consisting of one Ovonic threshold switch (OTS) and a field-effect transistor (FET). It is presented that the proposed device shows an oscillating behavior with a natural frequency (f_{nat}) adjustable from 0.5 to 2 MHz depending on the gate voltage applied to the FET. In addition, under a small periodic input, it is observed that the oscillating frequency (f_{osc}) of the device is locked to the frequency (f_{in}) of the input when f_{in} ~ f_{nat}, demonstrating the so-called synchronization phenomenon. It also shows the phase lock of the combined oscillator network using circuit simulation, where the phase relation between the oscillators can be controlled by the coupling strength. These results imply that the proposed device is promising for applications in oscillator-based computing systems.