Nonvolatile and Energy-Efficient FeFET-Based Multiplier for Energy-Harvesting Devices

Abstract

Energy-harvesting internet-of-things devices must deal with unstable power input. Nonvolatile processors (NVPs) can offer an effective solution. Compact and low-energy arithmetic circuits that can efficiently switch between computation and backup operations are highly desirable for NVP design. This paper introduces a nonvolatile ferroelectric field-effect transistors (FeFET)-based sequential multiplier with the ability to do continued calculation after a power outage, thus achieving zero backup overhead. We exploit the unique characteristics of FeFETs to construct key components of a sequential multiplier. The multiplier relies on a FeFET-based adder and a new FeFET-based latch to achieve compact area and low operating energy. Moreover, it uses the hysteretic characteristic of FeFETs to realize the storage capability, and hence is able to store, at no extra cost, the intermediate data of an operation in a nonvolatile manner. This property provides support for continued computation when power supplies may be intermittent. Simulation results show that, assuming the same technology node, the proposed FeFET-based multiplier saves up to 21% and 19% area than a conventional CMOS-based sequential multiplier of 4-bits and 8-bits, respectively. It also saves 32% and 73% less area compared with a CMOS-based array multiplier. Furthermore, the proposed design can offer up to 32%/23% energy saving per operation compared with a 4/8-bit CMOS-based sequential multiplier.