Crossbar Neuromorphic Computing for Large Input Neuron Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing neuromorphic computing hardware is limited by the physical size of crossbars, which restricts the number of synapses that can be processed, leading to issues when large-scale neural networks exceed the maximum number of axons that can be allocated to a node.

Innovation Solution

A neuromorphic computing method that groups input neurons based on the maximum number of axons allowed by the crossbar size, using bypass paths to transfer spike outputs through routers, allowing processing of large input neurons by associating multiple crossbars and nodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the crossbar size is increased to process more input neurons, then the processing capability for large-scale neural networks is improved, but the hardware complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing capability for large-scale neural networksVSAvoidhardware complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the neural network processing into multiple segments by grouping input neurons. Instead of requiring a single large crossbar to handle all input neurons simultaneously, the system processes neurons in groups that fit within the crossbar's axon capacity. This segmentation allows large-scale neural networks to be processed using smaller, more manageable crossbar units, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining processing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If the number of axons in a crossbar is increased to accommodate more input neurons, then the number of processable neurons is improved, but the physical size and area of the crossbar increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of processable neuronsVSAvoidcrossbar area
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a temporal dimension to the processing architecture by implementing sequential processing of neuron groups. Instead of expanding the crossbar area to accommodate all neurons simultaneously, the system processes neurons in time-sequential batches. Multiple groups of input neurons are processed sequentially, with each group fitting within the existing crossbar area, thereby increasing the total number of processable neurons without increasing physical crossbar size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If multiple crossbars are used to process large inputs, then the processing capacity is improved, but the system complexity and interconnection requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing capacityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple processing operations into a unified sequential processing framework. Instead of managing completely independent crossbar units with complex interconnections, the system combines multiple crossbars into a coordinated system where each crossbar processes specific neuron groups. The control logic unifies the operation of multiple crossbars, managing data flow and coordination to reduce overall system complexity while maintaining enhanced processing capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12579418B2Crossbar-based neuromorphic computing apparatus capable of processing large input neurons and method using the same
Publication Date: 2026.03.17 ELECTRONICS & TELECOMM RES INST
  • US12579418B2 patent drawing
  • US12579418B2 patent drawing
  • US12579418B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A neuromorphic computing method includes comparing a maximum number of axons in which a size of a crossbar of a hardware-based node is considered with a number of input neurons, when the number of input neurons exceeds the maximum number of axons, grouping some of input neurons in consideration of the maximum number of axons, obtaining a spike output for a generated group, and inputting the spike output, together with remaining input neurons that are not included in the group, to any one node, and then processing the spike output.