A team of researchers from EPFL has developed a groundbreaking in-memory processor. This energy-efficient processor, built using MoS2 and comprising over 1000 transistors, deviates from traditional von Neumann architecture. It is particularly adept at vector-matrix multiplication, offering potential benefits for the European semiconductor sector.
This innovative processor, designed by EPFL’s School of Engineering in the Laboratory of Nanoscale Electronics and Structures (LANES), could play a significant role in reducing the energy consumption of the ICT industry.
In the realm of information and communication technologies, energy is often lost as heat during data processing. This issue contributes to a carbon footprint for the global ICT ecosystem comparable to the aviation industry. A major portion of this energy is not used in actual computations but rather in transferring data between memory and the processor.
In an article published on November 13 in Nature Electronics, LANES researchers unveil a novel processor that addresses this inefficiency by merging data processing and storage into a single unit, known as an in-memory processor. This processor is pioneering in being the first to use a 2D semiconductor material and includes more than 1000 transistors, marking a significant step towards industrial production.
The Legacy of Von Neumann
According to study leader Andras Kis, the inefficiency of contemporary CPUs can largely be attributed to the widespread adoption of von Neumann architecture, which separates calculation and data storage components. This separation necessitates the transfer of data from memory for calculations, a process that expends energy.
While this architecture was logical up until about 20 years ago, with separate devices for storage and processing, it is increasingly being superseded by more efficient models. Kis’s research involves integrating storage and processing into versatile in-memory processors using molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), a semiconductor material.
Introducing a New 2D Processor Design
The research, detailed in the Nature Electronics paper by Guilherme Migliato Marega, a doctoral assistant at LANES, and colleagues, showcases an MoS2-based in-memory processor. This processor is specialized for vector-matrix multiplication, a fundamental operation in digital signal processing and AI model implementation. Enhancements in this area could lead to significant energy savings in the ICT sector.
The processor incorporates 1024 elements on a one-square-centimeter chip. Each element consists of a 2D MoS2 transistor and a floating gate for charge storage, influencing each transistor’s conductivity. This integration of processing and memory alters the processor’s calculation method, allowing for analog vector-matrix multiplication in one step.
Progress Towards Practical Use
The selection of MoS2 as the material was crucial. MoS2 is a semiconductor, essential for transistor development, and forms a stable, thin, three-atom-thick monolayer, offering possibilities for compact device production. Kis’s lab has extensive experience with MoS2, having created the first single MoS2 transistor in 2010.
Their process has evolved significantly over 13 years, with Migliato Marega’s contributions being pivotal. The team can now deposit a uniform MoS2 layer over entire wafers, facilitating the use of standard industry tools for integrated circuit design and moving closer to mass production.
Enhancing European Semiconductor Industry
Kis highlights the scientific and collaborative significance of this breakthrough, especially in the context of the European Chips Act. This Act aims to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness in semiconductor technologies. EU funding has been instrumental in this and previous projects, underscoring the importance of collaboration between Switzerland and the EU.
This development not only advances scientific knowledge but also supports the EU’s ambition to revitalize its electronics manufacturing sector. Focusing on non-von Neumann processing architectures for AI accelerators and other emerging applications could give Europe a competitive edge in the future electronics industry.
Reference: “A large-scale integrated vector–matrix multiplication processor based on monolayer molybdenum disulfide memories” by Guilherme Migliato Marega, Hyun Goo Ji, Zhenyu Wang, Gabriele Pasquale, Mukesh Tripathi, Aleksandra Radenovic and Andras Kis, 13 November 2023, Nature Electronics.
DOI: 10.1038/s41928-023-01064-1
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about In-Memory Processor
What is the key achievement of the EPFL researchers?
The EPFL researchers have developed an innovative in-memory processor using MoS2, which includes over 1000 transistors. This processor is energy-efficient and capable of performing vector-matrix multiplication, marking a departure from traditional von Neumann architecture.
How does the new processor contribute to energy efficiency in computing?
This processor addresses energy inefficiency by integrating data processing and storage onto a single device. This approach significantly reduces the energy spent on transferring data between memory and the processor, which is a major contributor to energy loss in current computing architectures.
What is the significance of using MoS2 in this processor?
MoS2, a two-dimensional semiconductor material, is vital in this processor’s design. Its thin, stable monolayer structure allows for the development of compact devices and its semiconductor properties are essential for creating transistors. This choice of material has enabled the creation of a processor with over 1000 transistors, a significant milestone for industrial production.
How does this development impact the European semiconductor industry?
This breakthrough is seen as a boost to the European semiconductor industry, aligning with the goals of the European Chips Act. It highlights the importance of innovative research and collaboration within Europe and Switzerland, potentially leading to a competitive advantage in non-von Neumann processing architectures for future electronics.
More about In-Memory Processor
- EPFL Official Website
- Nature Electronics Journal
- European Chips Act Information
- Overview of Von Neumann Architecture
- MoS2 Semiconductor Research
- ICT Energy Efficiency
- Digital Signal Processing Fundamentals
- Advances in AI Model Implementation
5 comments
Hats off to the EPFL team! Their work on the MoS2 semiconductor is groundbreaking. It’s not just a win for them but for the whole European semiconductor industry.
i’m curious about how this will impact the average consumer, like will our computers and phones get more energy efficient? It’s great to see advancements, but I always wonder about the real-world applications.
This is cool and all, but aren’t there already a lot of efforts in energy-efficient computing? how does this stand out, does anyone know? Also, the article could use a bit more detail on the technical side.
Wow, this is huge news! EPFL’s breakthrough with the 2D in-memory processor could really change how we think about energy efficiency in computing. It’s amazing how they integrated over 1000 transistors.
interesting read but i’m a bit confused about how this is different from traditional processors, need to dig deeper into this von Neumann architecture thing.