A ternary logic inverter based on tribotronic transistor and its application in digital combination lock
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Multi-valued logic (MVL) circuits hold great promise for applications in memory and cryptosystems due to their high information density and reduced system complexity. However, traditional transistor-based MVL circuits require external gate voltage supply, which complicates their design and increases their physical footprint. In this study, we present a ternary logic inverter based on tribotronic transistor and demonstrate its application for mechanical displacement activated high-storage-density digital combination lock, which is capable of storing 3 n passwords through direct key-pressing without applying gate voltage. The basic ternary logic unit is constructed by connecting a WSe₂ transistor in series with a WSe₂/MoS₂ heterojunction transistor, which demonstrates negative differential transconductance, exhibits an impressive retention time of up to 10,000 s, and maintains stable rewrite capabilities for over 100 cycles. When integrated with a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) to construct a tribotronic device, the ternary logic unit can be triggered directly by mechanical displacement. Moreover, a 3 × 3 array of ternary logic units can store 19,683 unique passwords by varying the TENG displacement. Our findings provide a straightforward strategy for developing high-storage-density digital combination lock activated by mechanical displacement, improving information assurance, and reducing the footprint.
Source: Chemical Engineering Journal
Language: English
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,830
Awards: G5085230421, G6059080704
OpenAlex ID: W7204809128