3 research outputs found
Cryogenic Memory Architecture Integrating Spin Hall Effect based Magnetic Memory and Superconductive Cryotron Devices
One of the most challenging obstacles to realizing exascale computing is
minimizing the energy consumption of L2 cache, main memory, and interconnects
to that memory. For promising cryogenic computing schemes utilizing Josephson
junction superconducting logic, this obstacle is exacerbated by the cryogenic
system requirements that expose the technology's lack of high-density,
high-speed and power-efficient memory. Here we demonstrate an array of
cryogenic memory cells consisting of a non-volatile three-terminal magnetic
tunnel junction element driven by the spin Hall effect, combined with a
superconducting heater-cryotron bit-select element. The write energy of these
memory elements is roughly 8 pJ with a bit-select element, designed to achieve
a minimum overhead power consumption of about 30%. Individual magnetic memory
cells measured at 4 K show reliable switching with write error rates below
, and a 4x4 array can be fully addressed with bit select error rates
of . This demonstration is a first step towards a full cryogenic
memory architecture targeting energy and performance specifications appropriate
for applications in superconducting high performance and quantum computing
control systems, which require significant memory resources operating at 4 K.Comment: 10 pages, 6 figures, submitte
Cryogenic Memory Technologies
The surging interest in quantum computing, space electronics, and
superconducting circuits has led to new developments in cryogenic data storage
technology. Quantum computers promise to far extend our processing capabilities
and may allow solving currently intractable computational challenges. Even with
the advent of the quantum computing era, ultra-fast and energy-efficient
classical computing systems are still in high demand. One of the classical
platforms that can achieve this dream combination is superconducting single
flux quantum (SFQ) electronics. A major roadblock towards implementing scalable
quantum computers and practical SFQ circuits is the lack of suitable and
compatible cryogenic memory that can operate at 4 Kelvin (or lower)
temperature. Cryogenic memory is also critically important in space-based
applications. A multitude of device technologies have already been explored to
find suitable candidates for cryogenic data storage. Here, we review the
existing and emerging variants of cryogenic memory technologies. To ensure an
organized discussion, we categorize the family of cryogenic memory platforms
into three types: superconducting, non-superconducting, and hybrid. We
scrutinize the challenges associated with these technologies and discuss their
future prospects.Comment: 21 pages, 6 figures, 1 tabl