Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences

Swiss engineers have created a new generation of computer circuits that combine two functions - data storage and processing.

According to RIA Novosti, the new scheme allows  to create a more compact, faster and more energy-efficient device.

So far, the energy efficiency of computer chips is limited by the current von Neumann architecture. According to it, data processing and storage is performed in two separate blocks. This means that data is constantly transferred between two devices, which in itself requires a lot of time and energy.

Engineers at the Laboratory of Nanoscale Electronics and Structures of the Federal Polytechnic School of Lausanne (EPFL) have developed a new technology. In this technology, 2D material is used to create a single architecture that combines memory function with logical operation.

The engineers who combined the two blocks into a single design have achieved a significant reduction in energy loss, which is especially important for applications based on artificial intelligence.

The authors of the study note that the chip itself was created at their institute. Ten years ago, the first chip was created by hand. Since then, an improved production process has been created, which now allows the production of 80 or more chips in one cycle.