Neuromorphic Device Analog Maximum Value Extraction Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Neuromorphic devices face challenges in efficiently extracting and processing the maximum value from recognized signals, which is crucial for effective information recognition and output in artificial intelligence operations.

Innovation Solution

A neuromorphic device comprising a recognizing unit, a maximum value extracting unit, and a control unit that processes information based on the extracted maximum recognition signal, allowing for efficient recognition and output without digital conversion, utilizing a structure that includes signal extracting units with switches and differential amplifiers to identify and output the highest valued signal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If maximum value extraction is performed using conventional digital conversion methods, then recognition accuracy is improved, but circuit area and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecognition accuracyVSAvoidcircuit area and operational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces digital conversion and processing mechanisms with an analog maximum value extraction circuit. The circuit uses operational amplifiers and switches to directly extract the maximum value from analog recognition signals without converting to digital domain, thereby maintaining recognition accuracy while significantly reducing circuit area and operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediate analog maximum value extraction circuit that acts as a mediator between the recognition signal generation and the final output. This intermediary circuit processes signals in the analog domain using operational amplifiers configured for maximum value detection, avoiding the need for digital conversion while achieving accurate maximum value extraction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If digital conversion is used for signal processing, then processing flexibility is improved, but processing time and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing flexibilityVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes digital conversion and processing with direct analog maximum value extraction using operational amplifiers. This eliminates the time-consuming analog-to-digital conversion step and enables continuous real-time processing of recognition signals, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining flexibility through analog circuit design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If multiple recognition signals are processed through digital conversion, then processing accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces energy-intensive digital conversion and processing with low-power analog maximum value extraction circuitry. The operational amplifier-based circuit processes multiple recognition signals directly in the analog domain, achieving accurate maximum value extraction with minimal energy consumption by avoiding repeated analog-to-digital conversions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables efficient extraction and processing of the maximum recognized signal, reducing circuit area and operational complexity by eliminating the need for digital conversion, while ensuring accurate output of recognition results.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a structure that includes signal extracting units with switches and differential amplifiers to identify and output the highest valued signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDifferential amplification: Magnetic Amplifier

Data Source

PatentUS11507819B2Apparatus and method for recognizing information of neuromorphic device with signal extracting circuits for selecting output nodes corresponding to recognition signal having maximum value

Publication Date: 2022.11.22 SK HYNIX INC

AI summary

A neuromorphic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure includes a recognizing unit suitable for recognizing information based on a plurality of learned results to generate a plurality of recognition signals, a maximum value extracting unit suitable for respectively extracting values of the plurality of recognition signals and extracting a recognition signal having a maximum value among the plurality of recognition signals, and a control unit suitable for processing the information based on the recognition signal having the maximum value.