• Electronics and Telecommunications Trends
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.76-84
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• 2020

Neuromorphic hardware refers to brain-inspired computers or components that model an artificial neural network comprising densely connected parallel neurons and synapses. The major element in the widespread deployment of neural networks in embedded devices are efficient architecture for neuromorphic hardware with regard to performance, power consumption, and chip area. Spiking neural networks (SiNNs) are brain-inspired in which the communication among neurons is modeled in the form of spikes. Owing to brainlike operating modes, SNNs can be power efficient. However, issues still exist with research and actual application of SNNs. In this issue, we focus on the technology development cases and market trends of two typical tracks, which are listed above, from the point of view of artificial intelligence neuromorphic circuits and subsequently describe their future development prospects.

• Ceramist
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.4-18
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• 2018

Lastly, neuromorphic computing chip has been extensively studied as the technology that directly mimics efficient calculation algorithm of human brain, enabling a next-generation intelligent hardware system with high speed and low power consumption. Three-terminal based synaptic transistor has relatively low integration density compared to the two-terminal type memristor, while its power consumption can be realized as being so low and its spike plasticity from synapse can be reliably implemented. Also, the strong electrical interaction between two or more synaptic spikes offers the advantage of more precise control of synaptic weights. In this review paper, the results of synaptic transistor mimicking synaptic behavior of the brain are classified according to the channel material, in order of silicon, organic semiconductor, oxide semiconductor, 1D CNT(carbon nanotube) and 2D van der Waals atomic layer present. At the same time, key technologies related to dielectrics and electrolytes introduced to express hysteresis and plasticity are discussed. In addition, we compared the essential electrical characteristics (EPSC, IPSC, PPF, STM, LTM, and STDP) required to implement synaptic transistors in common and the power consumption required for unit synapse operation. Generally, synaptic devices should be integrated with other peripheral circuits such as neurons. Demonstration of this neuromorphic system level needs the linearity of synapse resistance change, the symmetry between potentiation and depression, and multi-level resistance states. Finally, in order to be used as a practical neuromorphic applications, the long-term stability and reliability of the synapse device have to be essentially secured through the retention and the endurance cycling test related to the long-term memory characteristics.

• KIPS Transactions on Computer and Communication Systems
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• v.8 no.11
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• pp.251-262
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• 2019

In this paper, we propose a simulator that provides various algorithms of RBF networks on neuromorphic chips. To develop algorithms based on neuromorphic chips, the disadvantages of using simulators are that it is difficult to test various types of algorithms, although time is fast. This proposed simulator can simulate four times more types of network architecture than existing simulators, and it provides an additional a two-layer structure algorithm in particular, unlike RBF networks provided by existing simulators. This two-layer architecture algorithm is configured to be utilized for multiple input data and compared to the existing RBF for performance analysis and validation of utilization. The analysis showed that the two-layer structure algorithm was more accurate than the existing RBF networks.

• Journal of IKEEE
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.234-238
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• 2024

This paper presents a study on the integration of 3D-stacked dual-tip RRAM with a CNN accelerator architecture, leveraging its low drive current characteristics and scalability in a 3D stacked configuration. The dual-tip structure is utilized in a parallel connection format in a synaptic array to implement multi-level capabilities. It is configured within a Network-on-chip style accelerator along with various hardware blocks such as DAC, ADC, buffers, registers, and shift & add circuits, and simulations were performed for the CNN accelerator. The quantization of synaptic weights and activation functions was assumed to be 16-bit. Simulation results of CNN operations through a parallel pipeline for this accelerator architecture achieved an operational efficiency of approximately 370 GOPs/W, with accuracy degradation due to quantization kept within 3%.