Self healing of open circuit faults: With active re-configurability and mimicry of synaptic plasticity

We discuss the self-repair of open faults in circuits using electrically conductive particles dispersed in an insulating fluid. The repair is triggered by the electric field developed across the open circuit in a current carrying interconnect and results in the formation of a bridge of particles across the gap. We illustrate and model the dynamics of the resistance of the self-healed route, R-b, in low field conditions. Furthermore, active control of R-b and active re-wiring are also demonstrated. Considering R-b to be akin to weights between nodes, the formation and re-wiring of routes and the control of R-b mimic synaptic plasticity in biological systems and open interesting possibilities for computing. Published by AIP Publishing