Pseudo-transistors for emerging neuromorphic electronics

Abstract

Artificial synaptic devices are the cornerstone of neuromorphic electronics. The development of new artificial synaptic devices and the simulation of biological synaptic computational functions are important tasks in the field of neuromorphic electronics. Although two-terminal memristors and three-terminal synaptic transistors have exhibited significant capabilities in the artificial synapse, more stable devices and simpler integration are needed in practical applications. Combining the configuration advantages of memristors and transistors, a novel pseudo-transistor is proposed. Here, recent advances in the development of pseudo-transistor-based neuromorphic electronics in recent years are reviewed. The working mechanisms, device structures and materials of three typical pseudo-transistors, including tunneling random access memory (TRAM), memflash and memtransistor, are comprehensively discussed. Finally, the future development and challenges in this field are emphasized.

Achieving Reconfigurable Excitatory–Inhibitory Response in Unipolar Synaptic Memtransistors by the Synergistic Effects of Electric Double Layer and Charge Trapping

“…Recently, based on the hybrid integration of memristors and transistors, memtransistors have been proposed as a novel artificial synapse device . The memtransistor can be regarded as a gate-controlled memristor .…”

“…13 Recently, based on the hybrid integration of memristors and transistors, memtransistors have been proposed as a novel artificial synapse device. 14 The memtransistor can be regarded as a gate-controlled memristor. 15 Its enhanced electrode control configuration enables the emulation of intricate synaptic behaviors such as heterosynaptic plasticity.…”

“…15,16 Furthermore, by short-connecting the control gate and the source electrode, the memtransistor can work in the two-terminal mode, and the independent gate regulation terminal facilitates the integration of complex functions with fewer devices. 14,15 However, the investigation of the USVDP characteristics in the memtransistor has yet to be reported.…”

Photoelectronic synaptic transistor with tunable plasticity for neuromorphic computing system

“…In the past few years, study on artificial synapses mostly focused on electrical synaptic devices driven by electrical signals [10][11][12]. However, the operating speed of these electrically excited devices can be limited by bandwidth [13].…”

Foreword to the focus issue: materials and technologies for memristors and neuromorphic devices

“…Some useful guidelines for exploring synapses, neurons and intelligent behaviors are introduced. Fu et al [ 6 ] from Nanjing University of Posts & Telecommunications review the recent developments of pseudo-transistor-based neuromorphic electronics. The authors comprehensively discuss the materials, device structures and working mechanisms of three typical pseudo-transistors, including memflash, tunneling random access memory and memtransistor.…”