Probabilistic and introverted switching to conserve energy in a digital system

摘要

A processor having binary switches is configured to operate at a predetermined probability value that the logical value of each switch is correct. A supply voltage is coupled to the binary switches. A randomized signal detector is configured to detect a randomized signal, which may be amplified to a predetermined level if the randomized signal is low. A computing element outputs a probabilistic binary bit having a 0 or 1 with a predetermined probability value of being correct in correspondence with the supply voltage and/or an amplification level of a noise signal. Subsequently, an application executed by the processor receives the probabilistic binary bit for one or more additional operations. By operating on the probabilistic binary bits instead of conventional deterministic bits, the processor consumes less energy and completes its execution faster. For battery-powered portable electronic devices, use of processor configured for probabilistic binary bits substantially lengthens battery life.