Memristive materials for neuromorphic electronics (MemWerk)
The aim of the MemWerk (Memristive Materials for Neuromorphic Electronics) project is to develop new functional memristive materials for energy-efficient neuromorphic electronics, i.e. electronic systems whose operating principle is based on paradigms of biological information processing.
Memristive materials exhibit a memory effect and can alter their electronic properties (electrical resistance) in response to external signals (e.g. electric current or voltage, gases, light, temperature, etc.). Consequently, these materials enable the creation of devices whose functions are in many respects similar to those of synapses in neural networks. They thus form the central building block in artificial neural networks (ANNs).
The sub-project’s development focus is on system integration. Connection and contact concepts are being developed and tested that electrically address a larger array or cluster of memristive components without resorting to intersection structures.
The following concepts are being considered in the implementation of this task:
a) Fabrication of flip-chip memristor arrays on a multilayer LTCC substrate.
b) Direct integration of memristors onto a suitable pre-fabricated substrate with pre-implemented interconnects. This approach utilises low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) substrates with matched coefficients of thermal expansion. This technology has enabled the interconnection of up to 100 layers. The smoothing of the sintered LTCC surface is a key focus of development; polishing processes on various surfaces, amongst other methods, are used for this purpose.
Sub-project leader: Jens Müller
Funding body: Carl Zeiss Foundation
Duration: 04/2020 – 03/2026
Contact: Dr.-Ing. Heike Bartsch
