Texas ECE professors Jean Anne Incorvia and Lizy John have each received a Future of Semiconductors (FuSe2) grant. The FuSe2 program Supports collaborative research and education in partnership with industry on domain-specific computing, heterogenous integration, and new materials for energy-efficient, enhanced-performance and sustainable semiconductor-based systems.

Prof. Incorvia received the grant for her work on "Domain-specific probabilistic computing with stochastic antiferromagnetic tunnel junctions." The work will be conducted along with fellow investigators from Northwestern University, UT Dallas, and UC Santa Barbara.

One approach to probabilistic (p-) computing uses “p-bits” that are tunable random number generators. Revolutionizing real-world applications requires millions of interconnected p-bits, necessitating the scalable hardware realization of p-bits with high throughput (i.e., bit rate) and energy-efficiency. In this FuSe2 project, the researchers will develop the first p-bits and p-computing prototypes based on an entirely new type of tunnel junction device: Electrically controlled all-antiferromagnetic tunnel junctions (ATJs).

Prof. John received the grant for her work on "Efficient Edge Inference and Heterogeneous Integration in Systems for Health and Chemical Sensing." It is joint work between The University of Texas At Austin and the University of Texas at San Antonio.

This project focuses on integrating WNN-based intelligence with cardiac and chemical sensors at the point of sensing. It leverages expertise in machine learning, circuit design, and sensors to develop integrated systems for health and chemical sensing, combining the investigators' prior work on tiny machine learning networks, ultra-thin wearable health patches, flexible circuit manufacturing, molecular chemistry, molecular biology, electromagnetics, and micro and nanofabrication technology. Of particular interest are intelligent systems for cardiac health sensing and innovative chemistry applications.