MOSFET or similar devices that hold their state when unpowered.

[jrodh]

Hi,

I am trying to identify a solid state device that will retain it's state when not powered. For example, I know that flash memory stores it's state by means of a floating gate that is capacitively charged and isolated from the drain/source. Unfortunately, I need a single discrete solid state device that will do this while passing a fair amount of current (>1 amp). I have considered a solid state relay, but I can not find a design that can retain it's state like a mechanical latching relay when it looses power.

Does anyone possibly know of a single discrete device that has such a capability, or a small circuit that could somehow manage to do this? I simply cannot find a solution using solid state devices.

Thanks

 

[3DDave]

EEPLD is still a currently used term/abreviation.

https://www.mouser.com/Semiconducto...Erasable-Programmable-Logic-Devices/_/N-7aul3

The original request is ambiguous. Latching relays retain their state even if the remainder of the control system is disabled/unpowered. An (E)EPLD won't drive a mosfet gate if the (E)EPLD is not powered. Not sure how long the static charge will remain on a mosfet to push it to saturation though I recall that allowing them to float is just good fun (not).

 

[MacGyverS2000]

Without a useful understanding of the final application, we're shooting spitballs at the wall. We need more info...

Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

 

[jrodh]

These are all awesome responses!! I had no idea I would get so many in so few days! Thank you.

I will investigate EPLD, reed switches, and SCR solutions. Core memory (while interesting) will not work.

Thanks!

 

[jimkirk]

There was a company that used a technique they called "Mechanically Orbited Carbon" to make analog RAM that was completely passive, random access, and non-volatile.

Here's the manual, it's a hoot.

https://www.makenoisemusic.com/content/manuals/analogmemorymanual.pdf

 

[waveboy]

Sorry i dont think theres anything out there.....is it for an array of cells?
I already looked deep into this, theres nothing that will stay on when not powered.
Maybe enhancement mode mosfets though....sorry, i mean the very opposite of that...the fet that needs an active signal to turn it off...i forget the name

 

[jimkirk]

For how long does the state need to be retained? I'd guess a simple CMOS flipflop driving a non-protected gate MOSFET powered by a lithium coin cell could maintain its state for years.