Neural Exploration & Research Lab (NERL)

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NERL Overview

Sandia’s Neural Exploration & Research Laboratory enables researchers to explore the boundaries of neural computation. The research conducted in the lab evaluates what is possible

The SNL NERL facility enables researchers to explore the boundaries of neural computation. The research conducted in the lab evaluates what is possible with neural hardware and software for national security benefit and the advancement of basic research.

Current areas of NERL research include:

• Machine Learning and Deep Learning

• Microelectronics Co-Design

• Neural Computing and Applications to High Performance Computing (HPC)

• Computational and Mathematical Neuroscience

• Reinforcement Learning

• Remote Sensing

• Edge Sensing and Processing

NERL Hardware

NERL includes a variety of neuromorphic hardware platforms that can be used for comparative benchmarking and architecture exploration. This neuromorphic research capability has enabled relationships with various academic institutions and industry partners that are designing and fabricating neuromorphic computing hardware including:

SpiNNaker 48 Node Board

SpiNNaker 48

One of a few in North America

Intel Loihi

Generations 1 & 2

To test new hardware, NERL relies on a suite of neural “mini-apps” that assist researchers in understanding, predicting, and imporving neuromorphic computing technologies. These Sandia-developed programs include neuromorphic random walks, neural sparse coding, and neural graph analysis.

References

  • C.M. Vineyard, S. Cardwell, F. Chance, S.S. Musuvathy, F. Rothganger, W.M. Severa, J. Smith, C. Teeter, F. Wang and J.B. Aimone, “Neural Mini-Apps as a Tool for Neuromorphic Computing Insight”, ” In Neuro-Inspired Computational Elements Conference, Neuro-Inspired Computational Elements (NICE), 2022, pp. 40-49.