NRI Mission and Description

Program Mission

NRI Mission: Demonstrate novel computing devices capable of replacing the CMOS FET as a logic switch in the 2020 timeframe.

• These devices should show significant advantage over ultimate FETs in power, performance, density, and/or cost to enable the semiconductor industry to extend the historical cost and performance trends for information technology.
• To meet these goals, NRI is focused primarily on research on devices utilizing new computational state variables beyond electronic charge. In addition, NRI is interested in new interconnect technologies and novel circuits and architectures, including non-equilibrium systems, for exploiting these devices, as well as improved nanoscale thermal management and novel materials and fabrication methods for these structures and circuits.
• Finally, it is desirable that these technologies be capable of integrating with CMOS, to allow exploitation of their potentially complementary functionality in heterogeneous systems and to enable a smooth transition to a new scaling path.

Program Description

• Work with all participants in the NRI's consortium to continually refine the research agenda and extract maximum value from the resultant research, both at the NRI centers as well as in the joint NRI-NSF research projects.
• Establish and continually improve tools and processes that integrate Program outputs to facilitate value extraction by the Sponsors.
• Secure the funding stream from Sponsors, and continually look for new leverage opportunities for Sponsors funding, and manage disbursement of funds to the centers and projects.

revised May 2007