Ring Oscillator Ising Machine With Variable Phase Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Ising machines face limitations in efficiently solving complex optimization problems like the traveling salesman problem due to fixed phase coupling mechanisms, which restrict their ability to handle a variety of inputs and provide rapid solutions.
Innovation Solution
A ring-oscillator based Ising machine system with CMOS ring oscillators that are cross-coupled via oscillation signals and controlled by an Ising machine controller generating delay selection signals, allowing for variable propagation delays and dynamic phase coupling between oscillators to enhance solution efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed phase coupling mechanisms are used in Ising machines, then the system structure is simplified, but the ability to handle various inputs and solve problems rapidly is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic phase coupling by making the coupling strength between oscillators adjustable through control signals. The coupling mechanism transitions from fixed to variable, allowing the system to adapt its interaction patterns based on the problem being solved. This is achieved through controllable coupling elements that can modify their coupling characteristics in response to control inputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the coupling parameter from a fixed value to a variable parameter that can be dynamically adjusted. By modifying the phase coupling parameter through control signals, the system can adapt to different problem configurations and input types, thereby improving versatility without permanently increasing structural complexity.
2Productivity
If fixed phase coupling mechanisms are used in Ising machines, then the device complexity is reduced, but the solution speed and efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control mechanisms that allow real-time adjustment of phase coupling during operation. This enables the system to optimize its performance for different problem instances, improving solution speed by adapting the coupling dynamics to match the specific requirements of each optimization problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism serves multiple functions: it sets initial conditions, adjusts coupling strength, and optimizes solution dynamics. By making the control system multi-functional, the patent achieves improved solution speed without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If variable propagation delay is implemented in ring oscillators, then the phase coupling control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements variable propagation delay by making the delay parameter adjustable through control signals. This allows precise control over the phase relationship between oscillators, improving ease of operation. The delay element is designed to accept control inputs that modify its propagation characteristics without requiring complete redesign of the oscillator structure.
Data Source
AI summary
One example includes an Ising machine system. The system includes a plurality of ring oscillators that are each configured to propagate an oscillation signal. Each of the ring oscillators can be cross-coupled with at least one other of the ring oscillators via a respective one of the oscillation signals to provide a respective phase coupling between the respective cross-coupled ring oscillators. The system also includes an Ising machine controller configured to generate control signals corresponding to parameters of an Ising problem and including a plurality of delay selection signals. The Ising machine controller can provide at least one of the delay selection signals to each of the ring oscillators. The delay selection signal can be configured to set a variable propagation delay of the ring oscillator to control the relative phase coupling of each of the ring oscillators to each of the at least one other of the ring oscillators.