Probabilistic-Bits based on Ferroelectric Field-Effect Transistors for Stochastic Computing

Abstract

A probabilistic-bit (p-bit) is the fundamental building block in the circuit network of a stochastic computing, and it could produce a continuous random bit-stream with tunable probability. Utilizing the stochasticity in few-domain ferroelectric material(FE), we propose for the first time, the p-bits based on ferroelectric FET. The stochasticity of the FE p-bits stems from the thermal noise-induced lattice vibration, which renders dipole fluctuations and is tunable by an external electric field. The impact of several key FE parameters on p-bits' stochasticity is evaluated, where the domain properties are revealed to play crucial roles. Furthermore, the integer factorization based on FE p-bits circuit network is performed to verify its functionality, and the accuracy is found to depend on FE p-bits' stochasticity. The proposed FE p-bits possess the advantages of both extremely low hardware coast and the compatibility with CMOS-technology, rendering it a promising candidate for stochastic computing applications.