In the recent years, synaptic transistors have gained attention for analog computing solutions. They aim at overcoming the Von Neumann bottleneck, a limitation in traditional digital computing caused by the separation of data memory and processing units. Synaptic transistors mimic the behavior of biological neurons improving the energy efficiency and processor performance for novel brain-inspired computing, such as neuromorphic computing and artificial intelligence. Among the possible solutions proposed in literature, Electrolyte-Gated Transistors (EGTs) have emerged as a very promising approach. EGTs are essentially conventional Field-Effect Transistors (FETs) where the gate dielectric is replaced by an ion-conducting electrolyte. However, current EGTs rely on unstable electrolytes challenging to integrate, such as liquids or polymers. Alternatively, more robust oxide-ion conductors operate the EGTs at elevated temperatures (above 200 ˚C) not compatible with standard microelectronics. To address this, TRANSIONICS has proposed a three-terminal thin-film EGT based on a ceramic electrolyte able to work at low temperatures developed by the team during Prof. Tarancón’s ERC Consolidator Grant, ULTRASOFC, and a mixed ionic-electronic conducting channel. In this device, a gate bias is applied to change the oxygen stoichiometry of the channel by pumping oxygen ions across the electroyte. In such a way, the conductance of the channel is controlled by in an anologic fashion, giving rise to a non-volatile multistate transistor. This technology is compatible with microfabrication processes, allowing for low-cost and large-scale production.
The main technical objective of the TRANSIONICS project is to create a minimum value product on silicon substrate, and to develop oxide-ion electrolytes based on functional substrate scalability assessment. In addition, the definition of the market uptake strategy is the main business-oriented goal of the project. In that regard, the management of the intellectual property, first contacts with potential users and development of a business plan are key activities.
