Reserach Overview
Dr. Lin’s research focuses on developing alternative, non-Boolean, non-CMOS computing
paradigms capable of penetrating the digital CMOS computational efficiency barrier posed by
quantum-related device physics. Specifically, we investigate how to transcend deterministic com-
puting by natively exploiting randomness-driven physical phenomenon, either from CMOS devices
under extreme conditions or from emerging spin-torque devices, to effectively compute. In short,
Dr. Lin’s creative activities concentrate on answering the single question: how to leverage the
physics of devices to compute algorithms natively? To this end, Dr. Lin has worked with five Ph.D
students and numerous undergraduate students in the following research tracks
Hardware-Assisted Large-Scale Neuroevolution for Multi-agent Learning
Sponsored by DAPRA, this project seeks funding to purchase key equipment to establish an
FPGA-based high-performance multiagent training platform and its associated software. The re-
quested acquisition of BEE4-W (Berkeley Emulation Engine) hardware platforms costs $201,500.00
in total. achieve massively parallel analog-logic computation while consuming ultra-low energy.
The successful execution of this equipment acquisition has greatly enhanced ongoing DARPA and
ARO funded activities that culminate in a real-world demonstration of multiagent learning for
coordinated UGV operations. Specifically, our achieved hardware assistance resulting from the
new equipment has 1) alleviated the computing performance bottleneck imposed by software-based
simulation while conducting multiagent learning research, 2) significantly increased the multiagent
HyperNEAT learning intensity to facilitate solving real-world problems, 3) enabled training teams
at much larger sizes than previously possible in simulation, and 4) made training adaptive neural
networks with genuine synaptic plasticity feasible. Furthermore, the proposed equipment acquisi-
tion has expanded the research capability at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in the area
of Robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and evolvable hardware by forging a close collaboration
between two research teams at UCF: one focusing on multiagent robot training (based on Hyper-
NEAT technology and a hive brain) and the other on high-performance reconfigurable computing
(BCM, MARC, and evolvable hardware). In addition, this equipment acquisition has enabled us
for the first time to set up a practical educational platform at UCF for many of our students who
are currently working (or will work) for defense-related industry and who want to learn real-world
hardware design. All these outcome from the proposed equipment acquisition has benefited various
tasks relevant to DoD missions in the field, such as dynamic cordoning, coordinated surveillance,
and multi-robot teleoperation.
Minimum-Energy Bio-Inspired AnaLogic Computing
This project aims at leveraging the physics of field-effect devices to perform computational
tasks by strategically integrating the probabilistic reasoning and learning based on discrete random
field theory with the traditional logic circuit design methodology based on deterministic Boolean
algebra. Specifically, the PI first models and analyzes the stochastic switching behavior in minimum-
energy CMOS transistors under ultra-low V DD (≈ 50mV) both analytically and experimentally.
Subsequently, the PI develops field-theoretic methodology to optimize a large-scale logic circuit
built with such stochastic switching devices in order to improve its robustness. Finally, the PI
exploits the stochastic switching behavior natively to design and implement AnaLogic circuits
(between analog and logic circuits) that emulate a robust self-motion algorithm inspired by fly eye
based on optical flow extraction. The successful execution of this proposed research has introduced
a new computing circuit paradigm, which embraces and exploits randomness instead of avoiding or
circumventing it. Furthermore, this proposed approach has inspired a totally unconventional design
paradigm for emerging nanoscale device technology with severe device variability and switching
uncertainty. Also, this proposed field-theoretic approach has offered a rich mathematical structure,
therefore broadened current digital circuit design theories, which are largely based on the principle
that deterministic Boolean circuits can flawlessly emulate propositional logic deduction governed by
the Boolean algebra. Finally, this proposed field-theoretic methodology has enabled more accurate
understanding of existing logic circuit design methods, especially their limitations when directly
applied to future device technologies driven by ultra-low V DD .
Bio-Inspired Logic Design with Graph and Field Theory
Sponsored by NSF (National Science Foundation), this project proved that the stochastic na-
ture of emerging nanoscale device technology calls for a new transformative approach to digital
circuit design, which embraces and exploits randomness instead of avoiding or circumventing it.
This project realized such a vision by strategically integrating the fundamental insights gained
from studying gene regulatory networks with the traditional logic circuit design methodology based
on deterministic Boolean algebra. The successful execution of this project has developed a new
logic design paradigm that achieves circuit robustness for stochastically imperfect transistors and
interconnects. To this end, we has reformulated the traditional Boolean-based digital design prob-
lem as a probabilistic logic-labeling problem and attempt to solve it with two approaches. In a
graph-theoretic approach, we have adopted concepts and techniques such as network attractors,
spectral graph decomposition, and eigen-graph theory. In addition, to fully consider the stochas-
tic nature of both devices and interconnects, we have heavily utilized random field theory that
allows us to exploit field-theoretic techniques such as isling graph fitting and orthogonal random
field decomposition. Finally, we proposed two unconventional logic design methodologies. In bio-
inspired logic scaffolding, we have developed techniques to integrate stabilizing circuits into logic
design via distributed graph or field fortification. In self-correcting logic design, we have applied
error-correction coding theory via maximal graph or field separation.
Metaphysical and Probabilistic-Based Computing Transformation
Sponsored by NSF (National Science Foundation, this project aims at effectively tackling the
upcoming “zettabytes” data explosion, which requires a huge quantum leap in our computing
power and energy efficiency. This proposed work revolves around Metaphysical and Probabilis-
tic Computing Transformation (iMPACT), an innovative paradigm that transcends deterministic
computing by natively exploiting randomness-driven physical phenomenon, either from CMOS de-
vices under extreme conditions or from emerging spin-torque devices, to effectively compute. It
possesses two transformative features. First, the iMPACT embraces and exploits quantum-induced
randomness as an invaluable information carrier, not the “villain of correct computation” to be
suppressed. Second, the theoretical foundation underpinning the iMPACT is based on neither the
Boolean algebra in digital circuit nor the nonlinear amplifying and filtering in analog circuit. In-
stead, it tightly brings together the algorithmatic essence of computing and the quantum-induced
metaphysical randomness through the powerful framework of stochastic-based computing transfor-
mation. In short, the iMPACT framework has fundamentally deviated from all existing computing
paradigms by viewing randomness as an effective information carrier for computing, not merely
the opposite of determinism (i.e., the lack of order or predictability), therefore enabling intrigu-
ing computing methodologies that can potentially achieve extremely high computing performance,
ultra-low energy consumption, and superior error resilience. The iMPACT has employed a diverse
set of theoretic foundations: the convolution theorem, Taylor expansion, or even the Wiener-Askey
polynomial chaos, thus highly versatile.