March 03, 2025
SIU researcher secures $200K grant to improve brain-inspired computing technology
CARBONDALE, Ill. – A Southern Illinois University Carbondale researcher is exploring innovative ways to accelerate neuromorphic computing, drawing inspiration from the human brain's structure and function.
Chao Lu, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, received a two-year, $200,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to support advancements in memristor-crossbar-array (MCA). The project, which runs through June 2026, aims to improve human interactions with technology and accelerate progress in cognitive computing.
Memristors, a combination of “memory” and “resistor,” are used in electronic circuits alongside conventional components. When arranged in specific ways, MCA exhibits a dynamic relationship with current and voltage, including a memory of previous electrical states. This unique property positions them as a key component in neuromorphic computing systems. MCA are expected to revolutionize various aspects of daily life by enhancing efficiency and connectivity on a global scale. Their high-energy efficiency and brain-inspired information processing capabilities have the potential to transform industries such as health care, robotics, and autonomous systems.
Despite their potential, integrating MCA into conventional computing systems presents significant challenges. One major issue is the disconnect between software design tools and the physical limitations of the hardware, leading to performance degradation or functional failures. This research will not implement or fabricate any MCAs. Instead, it aims to bridge that gap by developing software tools with the constraints of neuromorphic computing systems, facilitating smoother integration and improved performance. The developed software tool could significantly improve MCA design, automate the design cycle, resulting in enhanced performance, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.