SkyANN presents a groundbreaking paradigm for neuromorphic computing. We closely emulate the neurophysiology of the brain by combining skyrmionic quasiparticles with electrical CMOS connections. The skyrmions mimic neurotransmitters and facilitate complex computations at the synapse level, while electrical CMOS connections simulate the propagation of action potentials among neurons for rapid and dense inter-layer connectivity.
About the project
Targeting low-power neuromorphic computing, our innovative magneto-electric devices aim to achieve an energy consumption that is four orders of magnitude lower than the current CMOS technology while doubling the bandwidth for the same device footprint. This will enhance edge inference and learning capabilities. This approach challenges contemporary neural networks implemented with CMOS digital, mixed-signal, and emerging in-memory computing technologies, which are limited by lower energy efficiency and reliability.
Building on preliminary results from the SkyANN consortium, we undertake the ambitious endeavour of developing a first-of-its-kind magneto-electric neural network. The aim is to showcase the promising potential of this novel technology. Along the way, we will refine materials, processes, design methodologies, and architectures to prepare the European micro- and nano-electronics ecosystem for the future. The low-power aspect of the technology will strongly support the EU's Green Deal vision.
Our partnership brings together complementary expertise and extensive knowledge, spanning from device physics to circuits and architectures across multiple layers of design abstraction, all the way to non-technical aspects such as results’ exploitation, policy and social aspects. With that, the SkyANN consortium is poised to facilitate the rapid transfer of fundamental discoveries to relevant industrial stakeholders, accelerating impact and reinforcing European strengths in the economically, geopolitically, and socially vital semiconductor sector.