用于存算一体的磁性随机存储器概述
An Overview of In-memory Computing Based on Magnetic Random Access Memory
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摘要: 磁性随机存储器是一种基于自旋电子学的新型信息存储器件,其主要结构单元是一个由磁性层和隧穿层组成的磁性隧道结,通过铁磁材料相对的磁化方向表现出高低两种阻值状态,以此实现信息的非易失存储。它具有极快的开关速度、近乎为零的泄露功耗、极高的可靠性等显著优点,是实现存算一体化技术的理想器件之一。本综述论述了磁性随机存储器在存算一体领域的研究进展,包括器件的基本结构和相应控制方法,着重对其在算术逻辑和神经网络的计算研究现状做了阐述。最后,对磁性随机存储器在存算一体中的应用做了相应总结和展望。Abstract: Magnetic random access memory(MRAM) is a novel information storage device based on spintronics. Its building block typically consists of a magnetic tunnel junction, which is a sandwich structure with two ferromagnetic layer and one insulating barrier. The relative directions of the ferromagnets’ magnetizations lead to high and low resistance states, which is then employed to store the data in a non-volatile fashion. MRAM has extremely fast switching speed, nearly zero leakage power consumption and extremely high reliability, all of which stands it out as one of the ideal devices for in-memory computing applications. This review discusses the research progresses on MRAM based in-memory computing, including the basic device structures and corresponding control methods. We will then mainly focus on the description of current status of MRAM based in-memory computing using arithmetic logic and neural network. Finally, some challenges and perspectives on the field are given.