US Patent 7307571 - Nanowire crossbar binary signal converter

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7307571.html

One problem with using nanowires in constructing logic devices is difficulty in distinguishing between high and low signal levels. This patent from HP teaches using an alternating signal to help distinguish the nanowire output. Claim 1 reads:

1. A binary signal converter that facilitates distinguishing an original direct signal on a nanowire by superimposing an alternating signal on the original direct signal, the binary signal converter comprising: an alternating signal source connected to the nanowire that superimposes an alternating signal with an initial amplitude on the nanowire; and a selective alternating signal filter that selectively passes the alternating signal from the nanowire to a signal sink.