Thermodynamic Relay Oscillator for Direct Multi-Well Information Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machine learning algorithms using classical computing devices face increased execution time and energy consumption due to complex statistical calculations, and communication between thermodynamic computing devices requires conversion to classical form, reducing efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A relay gadget is used to relay thermodynamic information directly between components in a neuro-thermodynamic computer, avoiding readout to classical computing devices and enabling controlled thermodynamic information flow without relying on mass and frequency differentials, allowing modularization of thermodynamic processors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If statistical probabilities are calculated using classical computing devices, then computation can be performed, but execution time and energy consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomputation speedVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces classical mechanical computing systems with a thermodynamic computing system that uses physical thermodynamic processes to perform statistical calculations. The system uses a thermodynamic computer to directly compute statistical probabilities through physical processes rather than through sequential digital calculations, thereby reducing execution time and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If thermodynamic computing devices are used, then computation speed and energy efficiency improve, but communication between devices requires conversion to classical form, reducing efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomputation speedVSAvoidcommunication complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a relay gadget as an intermediary component that enables direct communication between thermodynamic computing devices. The relay gadget receives thermodynamic information from one device and relays it to another thermodynamic device without requiring conversion to classical computing form, thereby maintaining the efficiency benefits of thermodynamic computing while enabling inter-device communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of information

If thermodynamic information is relayed using classical computing devices, then information can be transmitted, but the benefits of thermodynamic computing are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation transferVSAvoidcomputational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The relay gadget serves as a specialized intermediary that preserves thermodynamic information in its native thermodynamic form during transmission. Instead of converting thermodynamic information to classical digital form, the relay gadget maintains the physical thermodynamic state, allowing receiving thermodynamic devices to process the information directly without loss of efficiency or computational advantages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This approach accelerates computations and reduces energy consumption by simplifying the selection of oscillator parameters, facilitating efficient thermodynamic information transfer and enabling faster, more energy-efficient machine learning operations.

Implementation Method 1

a relay oscillator that is respectively coupled to the output oscillator and the input oscillator, wherein the relay oscillator transfers an expectation value of the output oscillator to the input oscillator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermodynamic coupling:

Implementation Method 2

Algorithms may be performed using thermodynamic computers. However, communication between multiple algorithms implemented on a thermodynamic computing device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMulti-well potential: Potential Well

Data Source

PatentUS20250373202A1Thermodynamic computing relay gadget for multi-well potentials

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 EXTROPIC CORP

AI summary

A thermodynamic relay gadget includes a set of one or more relay oscillators, an additional relay oscillator, a bias oscillator, and an on-chip controller. Respective ones of the relay oscillators have a time dependent mass or a time dependent frequency that is controllable, by the on-chip controller. The relay gadget is configured to relay thermodynamic information in analog form between an input oscillator of a first energy-based model and an output oscillator of a second energy-based model.