Chaos in Unclocked Logic Gates: From Sensors to Random Numbers
Abstract:
In 2009, a new type of chaotic system was discovered that uses only unclocked digital logic gates with feedback. Since then, researchers have examined the various ways for constructing these systems ranging from printed circuit boards to fully unclocked field-programmable-gate arrays (FPGAs). Using different platforms and logic structures, investigators have examined applications of these unclocked logic devices that include high-speed random number generators, reservoir computers (a framework for interpreting data), wiring defect detectors, and noise-like radars. In this presentation, a brief history and overview of chaos in unclocked logic systems will be discussed along with several active areas of research that focus on developing new unclocked FPGA-based technologies.
Bio:
Dr. Cohen received his B.S. and B.A. in Physics and Mathematics from the University of Rochester in 2007 and his Ph.D. in Physics from Duke University in 2013, where his graduate research focused on chaos and nonlinear dynamics in electronic and optical systems. After leaving Duke, Dr. Cohen worked as a postdoctoral fellow to support the UAB Mechanical Engineering department with the video analysis of football impacts. From 2014-2015, Dr. Cohen then worked as a contract research scientist for the US Army Aviation and Missile Research Development and Engineering Center (AMRDEC), where he was responsible for the research and development of acoustic and electronic systems. He next pivoted careers briefly in order to develop statistical models and machine learning algorithms at Regions Bank from 2015-2017. Dr. Cohen joined Southern Research in 2017 and now works as a Senior Engineer supporting its Systems Development Department. His work includes providing support to AMRDEC by developing theory and electronics for physical random number generators that use chaos, and his current research interests are: chaos in electronics, time-reversal mirrors, wireless network-based sensing systems, and new applications of unclocked FPGAs.
