Mixed-mode in-memory computing: towards high-performance logic processing in a memristive crossbar array

Communications Engineering, vol. 4, pp. 163

Abstract

In-memory computing is a promising alternative to traditional computer designs, as it helps overcome performance limits caused by the separation of memory and processing units. However, many current approaches struggle with unreliable device behavior, which affects data accuracy and efficiency. In this work, the authors present a new computing method that combines two types of operations-those based on electrical resistance and those based on voltage-within each memory cell. This design improves reliability and avoids the need for expensive current measurements. A new software tool also helps automate the design process, supporting highly parallel operations in dense two-dimensional memory arrays. The approach balances speed and space, making it practical for advanced computing tasks. Demonstrations include a digital adder and a key part of encryption module, showing both strong performance and accuracy. This work offers a new direction for reliable and efficient in-memory computing systems with real-world applications.

Authors 11

1. Nan Du corresponding

   Friedrich Schiller University Jena · Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute for Solid State Physics, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany. nan.du@leibniz-ipht.de

   Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT), Jena, Germany. nan.du@leibniz-ipht.de

   Institute for Solid State Physics, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany

   Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT), Jena, Germany

2. Ilia Polian

   University of Stuttgart

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Computer Engineering and Computer Architecture, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany

3. Christopher Bengel Aachen Institute of Materials in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Materials in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany

4. Kefeng Li

   Friedrich Schiller University Jena · Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute for Solid State Physics, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany

   Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT), Jena, Germany

5. Ziang Chen

   Friedrich Schiller University Jena · Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute for Solid State Physics, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany

   Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT), Jena, Germany

6. Xianyue Zhao

   Friedrich Schiller University Jena · Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute for Solid State Physics, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany

   Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT), Jena, Germany

7. Uwe Hübner

   Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology

   Affiliation as printed

   Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT), Jena, Germany

8. Li-Wei Chen

   University of Stuttgart

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Computer Engineering and Computer Architecture, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany

9. Feng Liu

   Forschungszentrum Jülich

   Affiliation as printed

   Peter Grünberg Institut (PGI-7), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany

10. Massimiliano Di Ventra

    University of California San Diego

    Affiliation as printed

    Department of Physics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA

11. Stephan Menzel

    Forschungszentrum Jülich

    Affiliation as printed

    Peter Grünberg Institut (PGI-7), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany