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Diffusive Memristor as a Synapse

Detailed Technology Description

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.

*Abstract

None

*Principal Investigator

Name: Jianhua (joshua) Yang

Department: Electrical Computer Engineering

Name: Qiangfei Xia

Department: ECE

Name: Mark Mclean

Department:

Name: Qing Wu

Department:

Name: Mark Barnell

Department:

Country/Region

USA