Sparse modifiable bit length determinstic pulse generation for updating analog crossbar arrays

A system for implementing pulse generation for updating crossbar arrays, the system comprising:

• a crossbar array comprising one or more memristive devices;
• a processor configured to:
• receive a number used in matrix multiplication to represent using pulse generation for the crossbar array;
• receive a bit-length to represent the number, wherein the bit-length is a modifiable bit-length;
• select pulse positions in a pulse sequence having the bit length to represent the number;
• perform a computation using the selected pulse positions in the pulse sequence;
• and
• update the crossbar array using the computation, wherein updating the crossbar array changes weights of the one or more memristive devices.

A computer program product for pulse generation for updating analog crossbar arrays, the computer program product comprising:

• a computer readable storage medium having stored thereon first program instructions executable by a processor to cause the processor to:
• receive a number used in matrix multiplication to represent using pulse generation for a crossbar array;
• receive a bit-length to represent the number, wherein the bit-length is a modifiable bit-length;
• select pulse positions in a pulse sequence having the bit length to represent the number;
• perform a computation using the selected pulse positions in the pulse sequence;
• and
• update the crossbar array using the computation, wherein updating the crossbar array comprises updating a conductance value of one or more memristive devices of the crossbar array based at least in part on the computation.