Title:  Post-CMOS Memory Technologies and their Applications in Emerging Computing Methods

Committee:

Dr. Arijit Raychowdhury, ECE, Chair , Advisor

Dr. Asif Khan, ECE

Dr. Shimeng Yu, ECE

Dr. Titash Rakshit, Samsung

Dr. Suman Datta, Univ of Notre Dame

Abstract:

The objective of this proposed research is to take a holistic approach to the post-CMOS in/near-memory processing system design for machine learning and optimizations. We first address the current issues of Spin-Transfer Torque Magnetic Random Access Memory(STT-MRAM) and multi-bit ferroelectric FET in the device level. At the circuit level, the research shows how these issues shape the peripheral circuit of STT-MRAM and ferroelectric FET memory arrays. Lastly, at the system level, the research leads to the efficient memory architecture and system design that maximizes the benefits of STT-MRAM and ferroelectric FET while mitigating the current limitations of these devices. In the proposed research, we apply in/near memory processing system design with STT-MRAM and ferroelectric FETs to various applications such as reinforcement learning with a drone, image classification with Deep Neural Network and least square minimization for image reconstruction. For the remaining part of this research, we will focus on near-memory processing system with STT-MRAM for reinforcement learning of a drone and evaluate the system to quantify how much benefits are expected in terms of latency, power and energy. From this project, we would like to show that near-memory processing system with non-volatile devices is a key enabler for real-time learning systems with stringent power and energy constraints.