KALAM: toolKit for Automating high-Level synthesis of Analog computing systeMs

TL;DR

KALAM is an automation tool that translates factor graph-based high-level descriptions of analog computing systems, especially Margin Propagation (MP) systems, into SPICE-compatible netlists for validation and optimization, facilitating scalable and energy-efficient analog design.

Contribution

This paper introduces KALAM, a novel Python-based automation framework that converts factor graph models of MP analog systems into circuit netlists, enabling scalable design and validation.

Findings

Simulation results match software models closely.

KALAM supports diverse tasks like Bayesian inference and neural networks.

Automation streamlines analog system design process.

Abstract

Diverse computing paradigms have emerged to meet the growing needs for intelligent energy-efficient systems. The Margin Propagation (MP) framework, being one such initiative in the analog computing domain, stands out due to its scalability across biasing conditions, temperatures, and diminishing process technology nodes. However, the lack of digital-like automation tools for designing analog systems (including that of MP analog) hinders their adoption for designing large systems. The inherent scalability and modularity of MP systems present a unique opportunity in this regard. This paper introduces KALAM (toolKit for Automating high-Level synthesis of Analog computing systeMs), which leverages factor graphs as the foundational paradigm for synthesizing MP-based analog computing systems. Factor graphs are the basis of various signal processing tasks and, when coupled with MP, can be used to design scalable and energy-efficient analog signal processors. Using Python scripting language, the KALAM automation flow translates an input factor graph to its equivalent SPICE-compatible circuit netlist that can be used to validate the intended functionality. KALAM also allows the integration of design optimization strategies such as precision tuning, variable elimination, and mathematical simplification. We demonstrate KALAM's versatility for tasks such as Bayesian inference, Low-Density Parity Check (LDPC) decoding, and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). Simulation results of the netlists align closely with software implementations, affirming the efficacy of our proposed automation tool.