Emerging Memories for Dependable Computing

My main research skills are related to dependability, test, fault tolerance and reliability of digital systems. At the beginning of my research carrier, these skills were applied to CMOS memories (SRAMs and DRAMs) and then extended to emerging memories (Magnetic and Resistive RAMs). This research was conducted in a context where conventional Von-Neumann architectures and memories are no longer likely to fulfil all the needs of modern applications, due to inherent technological and conceptual limitations. Hence, in order to be at the forefront of the electronic industry in terms of design and manufacturing capabilities, I focussed my research and innovation efforts on study of novel non-Von Neumann architectures enabled by emerging technology devices. Moreover, manufacturing induced variability, defects, stochastic effects, and aging degradation can cause important variations of the electrical characteristics of fabricated devices which can lead to device failure. So naturally, my research activity is focused on identifying the main dependability issues faced by memory-centered ICs and developing suitable test techniques for their detection and design solutions for their mitigation. Aside from reliability, an important aspect of device dependability is related to hardware security. Security systems use cryptographic protocols, frequently built on low-level cryptographic algorithms and primitives, such as Physically Unclonable Functions (PUFs) and True Random Number Generators (TRNGs). The Physically Unclonable Functions (PUFs) are emerging primitives exploited to implement low-cost authentication protocols and cryptographic primitives, such as secure key generators, key storing and one-way functions. State-of-the-art PUF solutions are memory-based and have piqued my interest, leading me to conduct research in the area of design, evaluation and optimization of PUFs and TRNGs. In this HDR presentation, I will give an overview of my research activities up-to-date, I will briefly present the main results I have obtained in each of these four main topics, and I will introduce the audience to my research project.