MemSor: Emergence of the In‐Memory Sensing Technology for the Digital Transformation

Abstract

Since Moore's law is facing several bottlenecks, electron devices are currently developing toward the trend of “More than Moore” which is based on functional diversification in terms of sensing, storage, and processing of information. This multifunctionality is thought of as another form of miniaturization of the electronic devices, where noncomputing devices are merged with digital ones, leading to faster and more energy‐efficient processing of data. Complementary to the in‐memory computing and in‐sensor computing approaches, herein, the concept of in‐memory sensing is examined in which the roles of both analog sensors and digital memory devices are integrated and achieved using a single “MemSor” device. The demonstrated optoelectronic memory devices are first reviewed, which can sense and store optical signals, and next, perspectives on the potential integration of other sensing capabilities such as pressure and gas are provided. The implementation of the in‐memory sensing technology in future energy‐efficient and scaled down electronic systems is also discussed. The challenges in the field are finally analyzed and potential solutions for the implementation of the merged sensing and storage functions using advanced manufacturing technologies are presented.