QUEST 2025
Parameter Variation Tolerant ReLU Neuron Device Using Single Flux Quantum Circuit
Yuto Ueno (Yokohama National University); Yuki Hironaka (IAS, Yokohama National University); Nobuyuki Yoshikawa(IAS, Yokohama National University); Yuki Yamanashi(IAS, Yokohama National University)
Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) are computational models inspired by the human brain and play a crucial role in processing large-scale data in artificial intelligence. To enhance energy efficiency and improve operational speed, ANN hardware implementations have been actively developed. This study focuses on the design of a single-flux quantum (SFQ) neuron circuit incorporating a Rectified Linear Unit (ReLU) activation function for superconducting ANN hardware. The proposed circuit primarily consists of an SFQ resettable delay flip-flop (RDFF). When the input data frequency exceeds the reset input frequency, the RDFF outputs SFQ pulses at a frequency corresponding to the difference between the data and reset input frequencies. Conversely, when the input data frequency is lower than the reset input frequency, no output is generated. Therefore, the ReLU-shaped output frequency as a function of the input data frequency is obtained by using this circuit. Due to the use of digital logic, this circuit exhibits robustness to parameter variations. The circuit was fabricated using the 10 kA/cm² Nb High-Speed Standard Process at AIST and evaluated at 4.2 K. Experimental results confirmed the correct operation of the ReLU activation function up to an input frequency of 40 GHz and the ideal characteristics were obtained with different two chips.
Acknowledgement
This work was
supported by JSPS KAKENHI under Grant 24H00311 and Grant 25K01284. The
circuits were fabricated in the Superconducting Quantum Circuit Fabrication
Facility (Qufab) in National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and
Technology (AIST).
Poster
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Fabrication
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October 27, 13:30 → 15:00