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5 Analysis of Applications Suited for NML Technology
Since the nature of Field-Coupled devices is quite different from traditional
CMOS circuits, it is important to identify in which kind of applications the true
potential of this technology can be fully exploited. The architectural overview
presented in this chapter represents therefore the ideal starting point for such
analysis. In the following the most important features of Field-Coupled devices
are summarized.
1.
Parallelism.
To maximize performance parallel computation is required. As
seen in Sect.
3
the interleaving of a big number of operations is required to
maximize throughput. As a consequence all applications that are intrinsically
parallel, or where it is necessary to process a huge amount of data are the
ideal target of these devices.
2.
Locality.
A huge delay penalty is acquired by signals traveling over long
interconnection wires. The consequence is simple: Only local interconnections
should be used (see Sect.
4
). Therefore all algorithms that require only a local
exchange of data are favored in this technology.
Along with these two features that are common to all Field-Coupled devices,
NML circuits, due to their magnetic nature, have some more specific advantage.
3.
Logic-in-memory.
Magnets are intrinsically memory devices. They are used
here for logical computation, but since they maintain their states also with-
out external power supply, they also provide a natural memory ability. This
possibility can be exploited to build logic-in-memory devices, where memory
and logic functions are combined together.
4.
No stand-by power consumption.
Since magnets maintain their state
without power external supply, there is no power consumption at all when
circuits are in stand-by mode. This fact can be exploited to reduce power
consumption, activating the circuit only when it is necessary and shutting it
down in the meantime.
5.
Radiation hard.
NML circuits are extremely resistant to radiations. Circuits
still work correctly after absorbing a considerable amount of high energy
radiation.
6.
Low dynamic power consumption.
The dynamic power consumption can
be very low, depending on the clock system used.
Every application that can benefit from one of more of these characteristics
can therefore be an ideal target for this technology. Clearly the more features are
exploited, the more benefit it is possible to gain from this technology. A short
(but necessary not complete) list of possible applications for NML technology is
presented below.
Aerospace and Military.
The near-immunity to radiations is a property
that gives to NML technology and undeniable advantage over CMOS circuits.
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