Memristor-based Brain-like Morphware Processing Technology

To address the Army"s need for a high-performance, low power bio-inspired parallel processor, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new highly reconfigurable Memristor-based Brain-like Morphware Processing (BRAINWARE) technology for implementation in upcoming military cognitive processing system and communication platforms. Based on solid-state memristors, mixed-signal silicon neurons and low-power clockless system architecture, the proposed technology offers an entirely new way of implementing high-performance massively parallel high-speed processing capability, crucial to replace today"s high power supercomputing systems. These bio-inspired innovations in BRAINWARE architecture coupled with clockless (asynchronous) system design enable extremely low power field-reconfigurable signal/image processing and control technology. In addition, the BRAINWARE-based processors offer unprecedented capabilities: immediate sleep and wake-up function, low noise and electromagnetic emission and high resistance to hardware attack. In Phase I, POC will define the specifications, develop architecture of the BRAINWARE-based generic neuromorphic processing elements with dual analog/digital capabilities and dynamically reconfigurable synapses, and demonstrate BRAINWARE technology feasibility. We expect that at the end of Phase II, a BRAINWARE technology system prototype with processing power equivalent to fifty million neurons and occupies less than fifteen cubic centimeters will reach technology readiness level (TRL) 5 and will be ready for initial testing for Army use.