Method to neutralize incorrectly oriented printed diodes

Abstract

A programmable circuit includes an array of printed groups of microscopic transistors or diodes having pn junctions. The devices are pre-formed and printed as an ink and cured. The devices have a proper orientation and a reverse orientation after settling on a conductor layer. The devices are connected in parallel within small groups. To neutralize the reverse-oriented devices, a sufficient voltage is applied across the parallel-connected diodes to forward bias only the devices having the reverse orientation. This causes a sufficient current to flow through each of the reverse-orientated devices to destroy an electrical interface between an electrode of the devices and the conductor layer to create an open circuit, such that those devices do not affect a rectifying function of the devices in the group having the proper orientation. An interconnection conductor pattern may then interconnect the groups to form complex logic circuits.