130-nm CMOS-Integrated Superparamagnetic Tunnel Junction-Based p-bit

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Authors: Ju-Young Yoon, Nuno Caçoilo, Advait Madhavan, Jabez J. McClelland, Shun Kanai, Hideo Ohno, Shunsuke Fukami, William A. Borders
Cited by: 1
References: 23

Abstract

Probabilistic computers offer promising solutions for computationally hard problems in domains such as combinatorial optimization and machine learning. A key building block in these systems is the probabilistic bit (p-bit), which relies on superparamagnetic tunnel junctions (sMTJs) as its source of randomness. A challenging threshold to cross for scaling sMTJ-based p-bit systems is integration of sMTJs with CMOS technology. In this work, we present experimental results of a p-bit unit cell using sMTJs integrated with 130 nm CMOS technology and demonstrate that the sMTJ’s resistance fluctuations can generate a corresponding fluctuating digital output voltage which is tunable via the input voltage. These findings establish the feasibility of CMOS-compatible, sMTJ-based probabilistic circuits and mark a key step toward scalable hardware for real-world probabilistic computing applications.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Advancements in Semiconductor Devices and Circuit Design Quantum and electron transport phenomena Magnetic properties of thin films

Publication details

Journal / source
IEEE Electron Device Letters
Publisher
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Volume
47
Issue
7
Pages
1482–1485
Publication date
26 May 2026