AI-guided framework for the design of materials and devices for magnetic-tunnel-junction-based true random number generators
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36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Engineering topics
Smith, J. Darby (ORCID:0000000236430868)
Publications and source records attributed to Smith, J. Darby (ORCID:0000000236430868).
Magnetic tunnel junction random number generators applied to dynamically tuned probability trees driven by spin orbit torque
Abstract Perpendicular magnetic tunnel junction (pMTJ)-based true-random number generators (RNGs) can consume orders of magnitude less energy per bit than CMOS pseudo-RNGs. Here, we numerically investigate with a macrospin Landau–Lifshitz-Gilbert equation solver the use of pMTJs driven by spin–orbit torque to directly sample numbers from arbitrary probability distributions with the help of a tunable probability tree. The tree operates by dynamically biasing sequences of pMTJ relaxation events, called ‘coinflips’, via an additional applied spin-transfer-torque current. Specifically, using a single, ideal pMTJ device we successfully draw integer samples on the interval [0, 255] from an exponential distribution based on p -value distribution analysis. In order to investigate device-to-device variations, the thermal stability of the pMTJs are varied based on manufactured device data. It is found that while repeatedly using a varied device inhibits ability to recover the probability distribution, the device variations average out when considering the entire set of devices as a ‘bucket’ to agnostically draw random numbers from. Further, it is noted that the device variations most significantly impact the highest level of the probability tree, with diminishing errors at lower levels. The devices are then used to draw both uniformly and exponentially distributed numbers for the Monte Carlo computation of a problem from particle transport, showing excellent data fit with the analytical solution. Finally, the devices are benchmarked against CMOS and memristor RNGs, showing faster bit generation and significantly lower energy use.
77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
A review of non-cognitive applications for neuromorphic computing
Abstract Though neuromorphic computers have typically targeted applications in machine learning and neuroscience (‘cognitive’ applications), they have many computational characteristics that are attractive for a wide variety of computational problems. In this work, we review the current state-of-the-art for non-cognitive applications on neuromorphic computers, including simple computational kernels for composition, graph algorithms, constrained optimization, and signal processing. We discuss the advantages of using neuromorphic computers for these different applications, as well as the challenges that still remain. The ultimate goal of this work is to bring awareness to this class of problems for neuromorphic systems to the broader community, particularly to encourage further work in this area and to make sure that these applications are considered in the design of future neuromorphic systems.
97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗