| Abstract | The trend towards ultra low power logic and low leakage embedded memories for System-On-Chips, has prompted researcher to consider the possibility of replacing charge as the state variable for computation. Recent experiments on spin devices like magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJ's), domain wall magnets (DWM) and spin valves have led to the possibility of using "spin" as state variable for computation, achieving very high density on-chip memories and ultra low voltage logic. High density of memories can be exploited to develop memory-centric reconfigurable computing fabrics that provide significant improvements in energy efficiency and reliability compared to conventional FPGAs. While the possibility of having on-chip spin transfer torque memories is close to reality, several questions still exist regarding the energy benefits of spin as the state variable for logic computation. Latest experiments on lateral spin valves (LSV) have shown switching of nano-magnets using spin-polarized current injection through a metallic channel such as Cu. Such lateral spin valves having multiple input magnets connected to an output magnet using metal channels can be used to mimic "neurons". The spin-based neurons can be integrated with CMOS and other devices like Phase change memories to realize ultra low-power data processing hardware based on neural networks, and are suitable for different classes of applications like, cognitive computing, programmable Boolean logic and analog and digital signal processing. Note, for some of these applications, CMOS technologies may not be suitable for ultra low power implementation. In this talk I will first discuss the advantages of using spin (as opposed to charge) as state variable for both memory and logic and then present how a cellular array of magneto-metallic devices, operating at terminal voltages ~20mV, can do efficient hybrid digital/analog computation for applications such as cognitive computing. Finally, I will consider recent advances in other non-charge based computing paradigm such as magnetic quantum cellular automata. |