Title
Fast and accurate computation using stochastic circuits
Abstract
Stochastic computing (SC) is a low-cost design technique that has great promise in applications such as image processing. SC enables arithmetic operations to be performed on stochastic bit-streams using ultra-small and low-power circuitry. However, accurate computations tend to require long run-times due to the random fluctuations inherent in stochastic numbers (SNs). We present novel techniques for SN generation that lead to better accuracy/run-time trade-offs. First, we analyze a property called progressive precision (PP) which allows computational accuracy to grow systematically with run-time. Second, borrowing from Monte Carlo methods, we show that SC performance can be greatly improved by replacing the usual pseudo-random number sources by low-discrepancy (LD) sequences that are predictably progressive. Finally, we evaluate the use of LD stochastic numbers in SC, and show they can produce significantly faster and more accurate results than existing stochastic designs.
Year
DOI
Venue
2014
10.7873/DATE.2014.089
DATE
Keywords
Field
DocType
low-power circuitry,progressive precision,stochastic number,computer arithmetic,stochastic processes,image processing,stochastic computing,random number generation,stochastic bit-streams,low-power electronics,stochastic design,accurate computation,integrated logic circuits,computational accuracy,pseudo-random number,monte carlo methods,stochastic circuit,better accuracy,ultra-small circuitry,sc performance,low-discrepancy sequences,stochastic circuits,accurate result,design technique,stochastic numbers generation,arithmetic operations,accuracy,low power electronics,radiation detectors,tin,fluctuations
Monte Carlo method,Computer science,Image processing,Algorithm,Stochastic process,Random number generation,Electronic circuit,Stochastic computing,Stochastic tunneling,Computation
Conference
ISSN
Citations 
PageRank 
1530-1591
6
0.46
References 
Authors
5
2
Name
Order
Citations
PageRank
Armin Alaghi138129.52
J. P. Hayes23592501.80