CMOS compatible probabilistic computing hardware with cointegrated reconfigurable p-bits and synapse arrays

Probabilistic computing (p-computing) has emerged as a promising approach to solve combinatorial optimization problems (COPs) at room temperature, offering a practical alternative to quantum computing. Scalable p-computing hardware requires integration of probabilistic bits (p-bits) and synapses, two components with inherently contrasting device requirements. Here, we present a charge-trap field-effect transistor (CT-FET) with a silicon-oxide-nitride-silicon gate stack that functions reconfigurably as both a p-bit and a synapse, derived from a commercialized flash memory structure. Gate voltage control of trap energy enables stochastic shallow trap operation for p-bits and stable deep trap operation for synapses. P-bits and synapse array are cointegrated on a single wafer using standard CMOS processes, enabling scalable p-computing hardware. Experimental validation shows successful solution of a 4-node weighted max-cut problem including negative weights, while simulations confirm efficient solution of a 20-node weighted max-cut problem including negative weights via chaotic simulated annealing. These results demonstrate a CMOS compatible pathway toward practical and scalable probabilistic processors. Probabilistic computing is increasingly valuable for exploring optimal solutions in data science as data volumes continue to grow, highlighting probabilistic computing as a practical solution. Park et al. report a CMOS-compatible array with transistors that serve as both p-bit and synapse, enabling single-chip probabilistic computing.