Memristor-Based Artificial Neural Networks for Hardware Neuromorphic Computing

Artificial neural networks have long been studied to emulate the cognitive capabilities of the human brain for artificial intelligence (AI) computing. However, as computational demands intensify, conventional hardware based on transistor and complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology...

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Main Authors: Boyan Jin, Zhenlong Wang, Tianyu Wang, Jialin Meng
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) 2025-01-01
Series:Research
Online Access:https://spj.science.org/doi/10.34133/research.0758
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author Boyan Jin
Zhenlong Wang
Tianyu Wang
Jialin Meng
author_facet Boyan Jin
Zhenlong Wang
Tianyu Wang
Jialin Meng
author_sort Boyan Jin
collection DOAJ
description Artificial neural networks have long been studied to emulate the cognitive capabilities of the human brain for artificial intelligence (AI) computing. However, as computational demands intensify, conventional hardware based on transistor and complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology faces substantial limitations due to the separation of memory and processing, a challenge commonly known as the von Neumann bottleneck. In this review, we examine how memristors, which are novel nonvolatile memory devices that exhibit memory-dependent resistance, can be harnessed to build more efficient and scalable neural networks. We provide a comprehensive background on the evolution of neural network models and memristors, as well as introduce the principles of memristive devices, which mimic the dynamic behavior of biological synapses. Various neural network architectures, including convolutional, recurrent, and spiking models, are discussed, highlighting the advantages of integrating memristors for in-memory computing and parallel processing. Our review further examines key mechanisms such as synaptic plasticity, encompassing both long-term potentiation and depression, as well as emerging learning algorithms that leverage memristive behavior. Finally, we identify current challenges, such as achieving ultra-low power consumption, high device uniformity, and seamless system integration, and propose future directions in materials science, device engineering, system integration, and industrialization. These advances suggest that memristor-based neural networks may pave the way for next-generation AI systems that combine low power consumption with high computational performance, ultimately bridging the gap between biological and electronic information processing.
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spelling doaj-art-e39bdad45c0447c78fdf9d0f6900b41a2025-08-20T03:15:39ZengAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)Research2639-52742025-01-01810.34133/research.0758Memristor-Based Artificial Neural Networks for Hardware Neuromorphic ComputingBoyan Jin0Zhenlong Wang1Tianyu Wang2Jialin Meng3School of Integrated Circuits, Shandong University, Jinan 250101, China.School of Integrated Circuits, Shandong University, Jinan 250101, China.School of Integrated Circuits, Shandong University, Jinan 250101, China.School of Integrated Circuits, Shandong University, Jinan 250101, China.Artificial neural networks have long been studied to emulate the cognitive capabilities of the human brain for artificial intelligence (AI) computing. However, as computational demands intensify, conventional hardware based on transistor and complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology faces substantial limitations due to the separation of memory and processing, a challenge commonly known as the von Neumann bottleneck. In this review, we examine how memristors, which are novel nonvolatile memory devices that exhibit memory-dependent resistance, can be harnessed to build more efficient and scalable neural networks. We provide a comprehensive background on the evolution of neural network models and memristors, as well as introduce the principles of memristive devices, which mimic the dynamic behavior of biological synapses. Various neural network architectures, including convolutional, recurrent, and spiking models, are discussed, highlighting the advantages of integrating memristors for in-memory computing and parallel processing. Our review further examines key mechanisms such as synaptic plasticity, encompassing both long-term potentiation and depression, as well as emerging learning algorithms that leverage memristive behavior. Finally, we identify current challenges, such as achieving ultra-low power consumption, high device uniformity, and seamless system integration, and propose future directions in materials science, device engineering, system integration, and industrialization. These advances suggest that memristor-based neural networks may pave the way for next-generation AI systems that combine low power consumption with high computational performance, ultimately bridging the gap between biological and electronic information processing.https://spj.science.org/doi/10.34133/research.0758
spellingShingle Boyan Jin
Zhenlong Wang
Tianyu Wang
Jialin Meng
Memristor-Based Artificial Neural Networks for Hardware Neuromorphic Computing
Research
title Memristor-Based Artificial Neural Networks for Hardware Neuromorphic Computing
title_full Memristor-Based Artificial Neural Networks for Hardware Neuromorphic Computing
title_fullStr Memristor-Based Artificial Neural Networks for Hardware Neuromorphic Computing
title_full_unstemmed Memristor-Based Artificial Neural Networks for Hardware Neuromorphic Computing
title_short Memristor-Based Artificial Neural Networks for Hardware Neuromorphic Computing
title_sort memristor based artificial neural networks for hardware neuromorphic computing
url https://spj.science.org/doi/10.34133/research.0758
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AT tianyuwang memristorbasedartificialneuralnetworksforhardwareneuromorphiccomputing
AT jialinmeng memristorbasedartificialneuralnetworksforhardwareneuromorphiccomputing