QRAM* (RAM / ROM from Random Structure)  Project Overview
 
      QRAM Beaker
Quantum  Random
  Address Memory 3-D

• Bill invented the theory, simulation, and implementation plans for exploiting the
  the random nano-structure of materials (e.g. polymers) to form precise, deterministic
  ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory) functions.

• That is, without fine lithography.  

• Keywords: Nanotechnology, RAM, ROM, random, polymer, magnetic circuits, 3-D circuits, correlation theory.
    
    * QRAM is a contraction of “Quantum Random Address Memory”


Significance of this Accomplishment
 
  Significance
• True-3-D Memory is possible with QRAM technology.  They are fault tolerant, as well.

• Low cost semiconductor fabs (factories) are possible with QRAM technology.
  Note: Today semiconductor fabs cost billions of dollars to achieve their fine lithography.

• Five separate QRAM patents filed in US, Europe, Japan, etc.:   Motorola management
(without any “selling” by Bill) determined the potential value of this set of patents to be so
high that it justified filing them in nearly all developed countries.  


Skills Transferable to Your Projects:
 
  Juggler
Leadership / Management
• Bill originated, led and individually contributed 99% of the entire QRAM program.

Theory / R&D
• Inspired by the principles used in the distributed memory of the neocortex, Bill recognized how
  to apply similar principles to create RAM and ROM applications.  His degree in physics
  (e.g. quantum mechanics and statistics) and semiconductor experience (RAM, ROM, FRAM,
  MRAM, EEROM, PRAM, etc.) were enabling factors.       

Software
•  As mentioned above, Bill derived the math, and wrote C++ simulations that proved the viability
of QRAM.

Hardware
•  Bill didn’t stop with software simulations.  He had hardware build to demonstrate all the
essential elements of QRAM.  He worked with fellow MRAM researchers and ran tests of
QRAM elements.  Bill designed and built QROM proof-of-concept demonstration hardware
that easily fit in a briefcase and was powered by one watch battery.  


Patents
Patent Ribbon Patent   (6, 097, 627 )    Issued   (08-01-2000)
Patent   (6, 026, 013 )    Issued   (02-15-2000)
Patent   (6, 016, 269 )    Issued   (01-18-2000)
Patent   (5, 991, 190 )    Issued   (11-23-1999)
Patent   (5, 930, 162 )    Issued   (07-27-1999)*

* This patent of Bill’s was a finalist in Motorola’s Most Valuable Patent (company-wide) competition.

Current Owner: Motorola, Inc.
Licensing availability: (Please contact Motorola).
Contact Info: motorolaventures@motorola.com 


Future Opportunities
 
  Futue Clock
By pushing beyond the current state-of-the-art,
there are these opportunities:

•  This general line of R&D has tremendous potential.

•  Nano-scale electronics is the future of electronics.

•  As transistor (and interconnect) miniaturization go below 45 nanometers,
   the key principles in QRAM (and other neuroscience-inspired innovations)
   will become more and more crucial. 

•  To date, the “surface has barely been scratched.”


Links to related material
  Links of Chain
• Patent   6, 097, 627
• Patent   6, 026, 013
• Patent   6, 016, 269
• Patent   5, 991, 190
• Patent   5, 930, 162

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