Based on a simple circuit model of a tunneling phase logic (TPL) element that is driven by a sinusoidal voltage source and biased by a DC voltage source, we present simulations of operations in cellular nonlinear networks (CNN) that could potentially be used to perform general computations in 2D arrays of simple, locally connected nanoscale devices. Some examples are presented to demonstrate the image computation capability of TPL-CNN. In particular, we use a simple 2D TPL-CNN structure to perform edge detection, image enhancement and image segmentation. Some cellular automata (CA)-like behaviors of our 2D TPL-CNN are also presented.

27.1 Introduction

Image processing is an extremely demanding application for integrated circuit technology, and one that could benefit greatly from improvements in circuit integration levels. The cellular nonlinear network (CNN) paradigm described by Chua and coworkers ^{[1] [2] [3]} is a promising approach for realizing high performance image processing systems. Impressive results have been demonstrated by CNN implemented in current CMOS technology, however, the scalability of this approach is limited. The implementation of CNN in a nanoscale technology capable of ultrahigh integration levels beyond CMOS could have a dramatic impact on image processing systems. Thus, an important question is what types of device elements could provide an...