Nanomorphic cell
Encyclopedia
The Nanomorphic Cell [1] is a conception of an atomic-level, integrated, self-sustaining microsystem
with five main functions: internal energy supply, sensing, actuation, computation and communication. Atomic level integration provides the ultimate functionality per unit volume for microsystems. The Nanomorphic Cell abstraction allows one to analyze the fundamental limits of attainable performance for nanoscale systems in much the same way that the Turing Machine and the Carnot Engine support such limit studies for information processing and heat engines respectively.
The Nanomorphic Cell concept is inspired by the trend, synergistic with semiconductor device scaling; to use these core technologies for diverse integrated system applications. This trend is called Functional Diversification and is characterized by the integration of non-CMOS
devices such as sensors, actuator
s, energy sources etc. with traditional CMOS and other novel information processing devices. The multifunctional microsystems becomes morphic
(literally means in the shape of ) because its architecture are defined by the specific application and the fundamental limits on volumetric system parameters [2].
The Nanomorphic Cell model was applied to analyze the capabilities of an autonomous integrated microsystem on the order of the size of a living cell, i.e. a cube of 10 micrometer on a side [1, 2]. The function of this microsystem is, for example, upon injection into the body, to interact with living cells, e.g. determine the state of the cell and to support certain “therapeutic” action. It must have the capability to collect data on the living cell, analyze the data, and make a decision on the state of the living cell. It must also communicate with an external controlling agent, and possibly, take corrective action. Such a cell would need its own energy sources, sensors, computers, and communication devices, integrated into a complete system whose structure is dictated by the intended nanomorphic cell function. The Nanomorphic Cell can be considered as an extreme example of a class of systems known generically as Autonomous Microsystems, for example WIMS
(Wireless Integrated Microsystems) [3], PicoNode [4], Lab-on-a-Pill [5] and Smartdust
[6].
References
1. R.K. Cavin, V.V. Zhirnov, “Morphic architectures: Atomic-level limits”, Mater. Res. Symp. Proc. vol. 1067E (2008) B01-02.
2. R. Cavin, J. A. Hutchby, V. Zhirnov, J. E. Brewer, and G. Bourianoff, “Emerging Research Architectures”, Computer vol. 41 (2008) 33-37.
3. K. D. Wise, “Integrated sensors, MEMS, and microsystems: Reflections on a fantastic voyage”, Sensors and Actuators A vol. 136 (2007) 39-50.
4. J. Rabaey, J. Ammer, B. Otis, E. Burghardt, Y. H. Chee, N. Pletcher, M. Sheets, H. Qin, “Ultra-low-power design – The roadmap to disappearing electronics and ambient intelligence”, IEEE Circ. Dev. vol. 22 (2006) 23-29.
5. E. A. Johannessen, L. Wang, S. W. J. Reid, D. R. S Cumming, J. M. Cooper, “Implementation of radiotelemetry in a lab-on-a-pill format”, Lab on a Chip vol. 6 (2006) 39-45.
6. B. W. Cook, S. Lanzisera, K. S. J. Pister, “SoC issues for RF smart dust”, Proc. IEEE vol. 94 (2006) 1177-1196.
Microsystem
Microsystem is the name commonly used in Europe to describe the same technology which goes under the name MEMS in the US. In Japan, this field is often termed micromachines....
with five main functions: internal energy supply, sensing, actuation, computation and communication. Atomic level integration provides the ultimate functionality per unit volume for microsystems. The Nanomorphic Cell abstraction allows one to analyze the fundamental limits of attainable performance for nanoscale systems in much the same way that the Turing Machine and the Carnot Engine support such limit studies for information processing and heat engines respectively.
The Nanomorphic Cell concept is inspired by the trend, synergistic with semiconductor device scaling; to use these core technologies for diverse integrated system applications. This trend is called Functional Diversification and is characterized by the integration of non-CMOS
CMOS
Complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor is a technology for constructing integrated circuits. CMOS technology is used in microprocessors, microcontrollers, static RAM, and other digital logic circuits...
devices such as sensors, actuator
Actuator
An actuator is a type of motor for moving or controlling a mechanism or system. It is operated by a source of energy, usually in the form of an electric current, hydraulic fluid pressure or pneumatic pressure, and converts that energy into some kind of motion. An actuator is the mechanism by which...
s, energy sources etc. with traditional CMOS and other novel information processing devices. The multifunctional microsystems becomes morphic
Morphic
Morphic can refer to:*Morphic field, a biological hypothesis*Morphic *Morphism, a mathematical term...
(literally means in the shape of ) because its architecture are defined by the specific application and the fundamental limits on volumetric system parameters [2].
The Nanomorphic Cell model was applied to analyze the capabilities of an autonomous integrated microsystem on the order of the size of a living cell, i.e. a cube of 10 micrometer on a side [1, 2]. The function of this microsystem is, for example, upon injection into the body, to interact with living cells, e.g. determine the state of the cell and to support certain “therapeutic” action. It must have the capability to collect data on the living cell, analyze the data, and make a decision on the state of the living cell. It must also communicate with an external controlling agent, and possibly, take corrective action. Such a cell would need its own energy sources, sensors, computers, and communication devices, integrated into a complete system whose structure is dictated by the intended nanomorphic cell function. The Nanomorphic Cell can be considered as an extreme example of a class of systems known generically as Autonomous Microsystems, for example WIMS
WIMS
WIMS is an AM Station broadcasting on 1420 kHz in Michigan City, Indiana, and serves the northwest Indiana listening area. Its format is primarily news, talk and sports...
(Wireless Integrated Microsystems) [3], PicoNode [4], Lab-on-a-Pill [5] and Smartdust
Smartdust
Smartdust is a hypothetical system of many tiny microelectromechanical systems such as sensors, robots, or other devices, that can detect, for example, light, temperature, vibration, magnetism or chemicals; are usually networked wirelessly; and are distributed over some area to perform tasks,...
[6].
References
1. R.K. Cavin, V.V. Zhirnov, “Morphic architectures: Atomic-level limits”, Mater. Res. Symp. Proc. vol. 1067E (2008) B01-02.
2. R. Cavin, J. A. Hutchby, V. Zhirnov, J. E. Brewer, and G. Bourianoff, “Emerging Research Architectures”, Computer vol. 41 (2008) 33-37.
3. K. D. Wise, “Integrated sensors, MEMS, and microsystems: Reflections on a fantastic voyage”, Sensors and Actuators A vol. 136 (2007) 39-50.
4. J. Rabaey, J. Ammer, B. Otis, E. Burghardt, Y. H. Chee, N. Pletcher, M. Sheets, H. Qin, “Ultra-low-power design – The roadmap to disappearing electronics and ambient intelligence”, IEEE Circ. Dev. vol. 22 (2006) 23-29.
5. E. A. Johannessen, L. Wang, S. W. J. Reid, D. R. S Cumming, J. M. Cooper, “Implementation of radiotelemetry in a lab-on-a-pill format”, Lab on a Chip vol. 6 (2006) 39-45.
6. B. W. Cook, S. Lanzisera, K. S. J. Pister, “SoC issues for RF smart dust”, Proc. IEEE vol. 94 (2006) 1177-1196.