Application of Emerging Memory Technologies for Spiking Neural Networks
J.M.P. Buis (TU Delft - Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science)
René Leuken – Mentor (TU Delft - Signal Processing Systems)
N.K. Mandloi – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Signal Processing Systems)
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Abstract
Renewed interest in memory technologies such as memristors and ferroelectric devices can provide opportunities for traditional and non-traditional computing systems alike. To make versatile, reprogrammable AI hardware possible, neuromorphic systems are in need of a low-power, non-volatile and analog memory solution to store the weights of the spiking neural network (SNN). In addition to being used for memory, memristive memory can be read out passively and thus also replaces digital-to-analog circuitry.
In this thesis, two solutions are proposed: one is based on a generalized memristor, the other is based on ferroelectric memory. Both solutions are implemented and simulated in SystemC AMS and tested with a SNN. As a final test, both memory solutions are integrated into a full-sized SNN and simulated against the MNIST dataset. The simulation results validate the capabilities of memristive and ferroelectric memory when it comes to providing a sensible weight storage solution for neuromorphic systems.