International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)
The Spintronics research group at INL has two roles in the SpinAge project. First, we will develop a new concept of neuromorphic computation unit using a spin-transfer torque nano-oscillators in a new structure in order to mimic the behavior of a neuron and input synapses. Our second role is to integrate these elements homogeneously in the backend of a CMOS wafer. A similar process was performed in the past within the Spintronics group using magnetic field sensors, but this will be the first time to homogeneously integrate spin-transfer nano-oscillators with CMOS. The integration with CMOS of the neuromorphic computing units is an essential step to demonstrate the scalability of the solution proposed and the ability to build large neuromorphic networks.
The INL International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, located in Braga (North of Portugal) was founded by the governments of Portugal and Spain under an international legal framework to perform interdisciplinary research, deploy and articulate nanotechnology for the benefit of society. INL aims to become the world-wide hub for nanotechnology addressing society’s grand challenges.
The Spintronics group, led by Ricardo Ferreira, develops devices that explore the spin, rather than the charge of the electron as a way to collect, communicate and process information. Specifically, these devices are state-of-the-art ultra-sensitive magnetic field sensors operating at room temperature and novel multifunctional devices operating in the RF frequency spectrum used for IoT communications and computation.
The Systems Engineering group at INL was a partner in the integration of CMOS with MTJs in the past and will also participate in SpinAge with their know-how towards the system-level integration of the different technologies.