IISc Develops Brain-Inspired Analog Computing Platform

On 11th September, 2024, researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) reported that they developed an innovative brain-inspired analog computing platform that can store and process data in an impressive 16,500 conductance states within a molecular film.

Key Points

Breakthrough Technology: The platform's ability to access 16,500 conductance states marks a significant advancement over traditional digital computers, which are limited to two states, enhancing both data processing and storage capabilities.
Potential AI Impact: This technology could enable complex AI tasks, such as training Large Language Models (LLMs), to be performed on personal devices like laptops and smartphones, moving towards the democratization of AI development.
Neuromorphic Computing Advances: The platform addresses long-standing challenges in neuromorphic computing, combining electrical engineering precision with chemical creativity to achieve more efficient and faster AI computations.
Custom Circuit Board: To measure tiny conductance states, the team designed a custom circuit board capable of detecting voltages as low as a millionth of a volt, allowing for unprecedented accuracy.
Practical Demonstrations: The technology has been used to recreate NASA’s “Pillars of Creation” image from James Webb Space Telescope data on a tabletop computer, achieving results more quickly and with less energy than traditional supercomputers.