Non-Volatile Computing for Embedded Cyber-Physical Systems

This project aims to develop a new computing device where non-volatile elements based on flash (floating gate) transistors are pervasively used in all levels of the memory hierarchy to enable almost instantaneous check pointing and recovery of program state not subject to the data bus bandwidth limit. Effectively, this new system allows its power source to be cut off at any time, and yet resumes regular operation without loss of information when the power comes back. This non-volatile capability will enable continuous computations across power failures, save static power consumption when a device is idle, and enhance the security and reliability.