LC Oscillator Nonlinear Function Computing for Circuit Simplicity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional neural network neuron elements face challenges in efficiently calculating nonlinear functions with high accuracy and stability while minimizing power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A nonlinear function operation apparatus that includes an input converting unit, a controlling unit, and an arithmetic operation result output unit, which converts input signals into temporal information, controls the nonlinear behavior unit to change and stop its internal physical quantity, and outputs the result when the change is stopped, using a simple circuit configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional differential amplifying unit with transistors is used to calculate the sigmoid function, then the nonlinear function can be computed, but the circuit configuration becomes complex and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional transistor-based differential amplifying unit with an LC oscillator circuit that uses inductors and capacitors. This substitution simplifies the circuit configuration while maintaining the ability to compute nonlinear functions accurately, directly addressing the contradiction between computational accuracy and circuit complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the circuit by using LC oscillation characteristics (inductance L and capacitance C) instead of transistor-based amplification parameters. This parameter change enables the circuit to achieve the required nonlinear function computation with simpler components, reducing both complexity and power consumption
2Reliability
If a conventional transistor-based differential amplifying unit is used, then the sigmoid function can be calculated, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the power-intensive transistor-based differential amplifying unit with an LC oscillator circuit. The inductor-capacitor oscillation mechanism consumes significantly less power while maintaining the ability to compute nonlinear functions with high accuracy, thus resolving the contradiction between computational reliability and energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes periodic oscillation of the LC circuit to achieve the nonlinear function computation. The oscillating current and voltage in the LC circuit naturally produce the required nonlinear response without requiring continuous power consumption, unlike the continuous operation needed for transistor-based amplifiers
Data Source
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AI summary
An aspect of the present invention includes: a nonlinear behavior unit configured to autonomously change an internal physical quantity according to a predetermined nonlinear characteristic; an input converting unit configured to convert an input signal into temporal information using a parameter indicating the predetermined nonlinear characteristic; a controlling unit configured to control the nonlinear behavior unit, to start, after initializing the nonlinear behavior unit, a change in the internal physical quantity of the nonlinear behavior unit when the input signal is inputted to the input converting unit and, to stop, after an elapse of the temporal information, the change in the internal physical quantity of the nonlinear behavior unit; an arithmetic operation result output unit configured to output the internal physical quantity at a time when the change in the internal physical quantity is stopped as an arithmetic operation result of a nonlinear function having the predetermined nonlinear characteristic.