Method for executing one or more vector matrix operations, computing unit and computing module for executing same

A method for executing one or multiple vector matrix operations using a matrix operation circuit, the matrix operation circuit including a plurality of row lines and a plurality of column lines, wherein the column lines each has a current output, the matrix operation circuit being configured to generate output currents at the current outputs, current intensities of the output currents being a function of multiple row voltages applied on the plurality of column lines, the method comprising the following steps:

• receiving an input vector having multiple input values;
• applying and increasing the row voltages on the row lines, wherein the row voltages are increased linearly starting from zero, wherein, for each of the row voltages, a respective rate of increase is proportional to one of the input values in accordance with a proportionality constant, wherein the proportionality constant is common to all of the row voltages;
• detecting the output currents generated at the current outputs;
• comparing current intensities of the detected output currents to a predetermined limit current intensity;
• terminating the increase of the row voltages when, upon comparison, it is established that at least one of the output currents has a current intensity that is greater than the limit current intensity;
• and
• determining one or multiple output vectors each having multiple output values based on the detected currents.

A computing unit configured to execute one or multiple vector matrix operations using a matrix operation circuit, the matrix operation circuit including a plurality of row lines and a plurality of column lines, wherein the column lines each has a current output, the matrix operation circuit being configured to generate output currents at the current outputs, current intensities of the output currents being a function of multiple row voltages applied on the plurality of column lines, the computing unit configured to:

• receive an input vector having multiple input values;
• apply and increase the row voltages on the row lines, wherein the row voltages are increased linearly starting from zero, wherein, for each of the row voltages, a respective rate of increase is proportional to one of the input values in accordance with a proportionality constant, wherein the proportionality constant is common to all of the row voltages;
• detect the output currents generated at the current outputs;
• compare current intensities of the detected output currents to a predetermined limit current intensity;
• terminate the increase of the row voltages when, upon comparison, it is established that at least one of the output currents has a current intensity that is greater than the limit current intensity;
• and
• determine one or multiple output vectors each having multiple output values based on the detected currents.

A computing module, comprising:

• a matrix circuit including a plurality of row lines and a plurality of column lines, wherein the column lines each has a current output, the matrix operation circuit being configured to generate output currents at the current outputs, current intensities of the output currents being a function of multiple row voltages applied on the plurality of column lines;
• and
• a computing unit configured to:
• receive an input vector having multiple input values,
• apply and increase the row voltages on the row lines, wherein the row voltages are increased linearly starting from zero, wherein, for each of the row voltages, a respective rate of increase is proportional to one of the input values in accordance with a proportionality constant, wherein the proportionality constant is common to all of the row voltages,
• detect the output currents generated at the current outputs,
• compare current intensities of the detected output currents to a predetermined limit current intensity,
• terminate the increase of the row voltages when, upon comparison, it is established that at least one of the output currents has a current intensity that is greater than the limit current intensity, and
• determine one or multiple output vectors each having multiple output values based on the detected currents.