Toward an Ion-Based Large-Scale Integrated Circuit: Circuit Level Design, Simulation, and Integration of Iontronic Components

Iontronics combines ions as charge carriers with electronic-like operations, enabling unique information processing, chemical regulation, and enhanced bio-integrability. This paper presents a design approach for iontronic integrated circuits, inspired by electronic abstraction layer methodology. As a fundamental step, we develop a compact model to the iontronic bipolar diode, with a conceptual framework applicable to other iontronic components. The model, grounded in the diode’s physical properties and observed behavior, is implemented using standard VLSI (Very Large-Scale Integration) electronic design tools. Our simulations demonstrate diode-based circuit behaviors, highlighting how component parameters affect circuit interactions and performance. To improve accuracy, we integrate Monte Carlo techniques, addressing circuit variations. Expanding simulation tools to include iontronic components offers insights into circuit design potential, with tested applications in energy harvesting and logic circuits. By improving component uniformity, optimizing diode parameters, and understanding diode characteristics, we can achieve more complex and efficient iontronic systems, moving closer to practical and groundbreaking applications in the field.