Department of Electrical Engineering (ISY)

The linear-drift memristor model, suggested by HP Labs a few years ago, is used in this work together with two window functions. From the equations describing the memristor model, the transfer characteristics of a memristor is formulated and analyzed. A first-order estimation of the cut-off frequency is shown, that illustrates the bandwidth limitation of the memristor and how it varies with some of its physical parameters. The design space is elaborated upon and it is shown that the state speed, the variation of the doped and undoped regions of the memristor, is inversely proportional to the physical length, and depth of the device. The transfer characteristics is simulated for Joglekar-Wolf, and Biolek window functions and the results are analyzed. The Joglekar-Wolf window function causes a distinct behavior in the tranfer characteristics at cut-off frequency. The Biolek window function on the other hand gives a smooth state transfer function, at the cost of loosing the one-to-one mapping between charge and state. We also elaborate on the design constraints derived from the transfer characteristics.

Moore’s law has until today mostly relied on shrinkage of the size of the devices inintegrated circuits. However, soon the granularity of the atoms will set a limit together with increased error probability of the devices. How can Moore’s law continue in thefuture? To overcome the increased error rate, we need to introduce redundancy. Applyingmethods from biology may be a way forward, using some of the strategies that transformsan egg into a fetus, but with electronic cells.

A redundant system is less sensitive to failing components. We define electronic clayas a massive redundancy system of interchangeable and unified subsystems. We show how a mean voter, which is simpler than a majority voter, impact a redundant systemand how optimization can be formalized to minimize the impact of failing subsystems.The performance at given yield can be estimated with a first order model, without the need for Monte-Carlo simulations. The methods are applied and verified on a redundant finite-impulse response filter.

The elementary circuit behavior of the memristor, ”the missing circuit element”, is investigated for fundamental understanding and how it can be used in applications. Different available simulation models are presented and the linear drift model is simulated with Joglekar-Wolf and Biolek window functions. Driven by a sinusoidal current, the memristor is a frequency dependent component with a cut-off frequency. The memristor can be densely packed and used in structures that both stores and compute in the same circuit, as neurons do. Surrounding circuit has to affect (write) and react (read) to the memristor with the same two terminals.

We looked at artificial neural network for pattern recognition, but also for self organization in electronic cell array. Finally we look at wireless sensor network and how such system can adopt to the environment. This is also a massive redundant clay-like system.

Future electronic systems will be massively redundant and adaptive. Moore’s law will continue, not based on shrinking device sizes, but on cheaper, numerous, unified and interchangeable subsystems.