Diffusive Memristor as a Synapse

Neuromorphic computing, systems designed to mimic the biological nervous system, require far less power than current computer processors. The increased efficiency makes feasible artificial intelligence applications for smaller, hand-held devices (e.g. smartphones, tablets).  To this end, UMass inventors have designed hardware components that mimic neuronal synapses (Figure A). Specifically, diffusive Ag-in-oxide memristors show a temporal response during and after stimulation similar to that of a biological synapse. The novel diffusive memristor and its synapse-like dynamics enable a direct emulation of both short- and long-term plasticity of biological synapses and represent a major advancement in a hardware implementation for neuromorphic computing.   TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION  ADVANTAGES •       High density•       Low energy•       faithfully emulation of bio-synapses•       Intrinsic synaptic dynamics•       3D stackable   APPLICATIONS•       Memristor for neuromorphic computing•       Spiking neural networks (SNNs) •       Synapse emulators   ABOUT THE INVENTORQiangfei Xia is an associate professor in the department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.  Professor Xia’s research is focused on post-CMOS nanodevices, device physics, integrated nanosystems, and enabling nanotechnologies.  Jianhua (Joshua) Yang is a professor in the department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Professor Yang research focuses on unconventional computing technologies, including neuromorphic computing using memristive devices.    AVAILABILITY: Available for Licensing and/or Sponsored Research  DOCKET: UMA 18-001  PATENT STATUS: Patent Pending  NON-CONFIDENTIAL INVENTION DISCLOSURE  LEAD INVENTOR: Qiangfei Xia, Ph.D.  Joshua Yang, Ph.D.  CONTACT:  Neuromorphic computing, systems designed to mimic the biological nervous system, require far less power than current computer processors. The increased efficiency makes feasible artificial intelligence applications for smaller, hand-held devices (e.g. smartphones, tablets).  To this end, UMass inventors have designed hardware components that mimic neuronal synapses (Figure A). Specifically, diffusive Ag-in-oxide memristors show a temporal response during and after stimulation similar to that of a biological synapse. The novel diffusive memristor and its synapse-like dynamics enable a direct emulation of both short- and long-term plasticity of biological synapses and represent a major advancement in a hardware implementation for neuromorphic computing.

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