Universal logic-in-memory cell enabling all basic Boolean algebra logic

Abstract

Among the promising approaches for implementing high-performance computing, reconfigurable logic gates and logic-in-memory (LIM) approaches have been drawing increased research attention. These allow for improved functional scaling of a chip, owing to the improved functionality per unit area. Although numerous studies have been conducted independently for either reconfigurable logic or LIM units, attempts to construct a hybrid structure based on reconfigurable logic and LIM units remain relatively rare. In this study, we merge reconfigurable logic gates and LIM units to achieve a universal logic-in-memory (ULIM) cell for enabling all basic Boolean logic operations and data storage in a single cell. A ULIM cell consisting of silicon memory devices with reconfigurable n- and p-program modes can reconfigure logic operations within the complete set of Boolean logic operations. Moreover, the ULIM cell exhibits memory behaviors for storing output logic values without supply voltages for a certain period, resulting in zero static power consumption. Hence, this study provides a way to realize high-performance electronics by utilizing the silicon devices with a hybrid function of reconfigurable logic and LIM.