Shape-shifting digital hardware concept: towards a new adaptive computing system

Abstract

In this paper a new approach to implement adaptive hardware (AH) based on memFETs crossbar structure is presented. We report a novel computing hardware principle called Shape-Shifting Digital Hardware (SSDH) oriented to execute task requirements in a dynamic, flexible, efficient and adaptive way. In this technique not only the logic functions are modifiable (as in the case of Field Programmable Gate Array, FPGA) but also the physical position of the logic elements that form the circuit. Furthermore, a new technologic strategy that allows implementing large crossbars of memFETs is introduced. The memFET is an electrically reconfigurable field effect and resistive switching device that can be used to perform logic functions and memory blocks. Into an appropriate structure such as a crossbar array, memFET allows the dynamic logic reconfiguration of the crossbar and simplify both the design and the implementation of computing hardware.