A Study on Beyond-Binary Computing

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The present-day VLSI systems are designed on the basis of binary (radix-2) arithmetic algorithms combined with binary logic devices. As the VLSI technology scales down to deep sub-micron geometry, performance bottlenecks caused by increased wiring complexity and delay are becoming significantly severe. This research project is to investigate a possibility of overcoming the performance bottlenecks by employing a new computing paradigm called "Beyond-Binary Computing". Listed below are major results of this project:1. High-speed arithmetic algorithms using non-binary redundant number systems were developed and their performances were confirmed through experimental chip fabrications. Examples include (i) a radix-4 parallel divider chip, (ii) a radix-2-4-8 CORDIC processor chip, (iii) a configurable datapath chip using SW arithmetic, and (iv) a real/complex reconfigurable datapath chip using redundant complex arithmetic. Optimizing number representation for target applications makes possib … More le drastic reduction in computation time, power consumption and wiring complexity. Impacts of multiple-valued logic IC technology combined with redundant arithmetic algorithms were demonstrated through the design of field-programmable digital filter ICs. Also, new CAD techniques for designing beyond-binary circuits and systems were proposed.2. A prototype of set-valued logic system, which uses pseudo-random sequences as information carriers, was designed and fabricated. The underlying principle of the fabricated system was extended to intra-chip CDMA communication techniques, which will be useful for implementing highly parallel computing architectures with reduced wiring complexity.3. Techniques for computer-based simulation and analysis for enzyme transistor circuits were developed. These techniques were used to demonstrate some applications of molecular computing, including optimal path planning and image processing. The principle of wire-free circuit integration using artificial catalyst devices, such as enzyme transistors, was confirmed experimentally. Less