EE - Design and Application of Volatile Charge Coupled Memory

In this project, we are studying the charge coupled device in the 3D NAND architecture for volatile memory application. As the large language models rapidly evolve, high density and performance buffer memory is more important then ever. The existing solution based on stacked DRAM architecture is cost prohibitive. In this regard, adopting the 3D NAND compatible architecture while offering DRAM like performance is highly attractive. In this project, we are going to study the charge coupled device from device simulation and project the memory density and performance. Then we will explore applications that can exploit the unique memory architecture.

Name of research group, project, or lab
Nanoelectronic Devices and Systems
Why join this research group or lab?

The Nanoelectronic Devices and Systems lab directed by Prof. Kai Ni is working on the foundational technology that can enable the next generation computing and storage. Our group works on the state-of-the-art semiconductor devices that can potentially transform the modern memory hierarchy and support energy efficient computing. By working on the project, the student has a chance to developing necessary skills to work in semiconductor industry. In addition, the lab is well connected with industry, such as Samsung, Intel, Micron, etc. The students will have a chance to interact with industry for career development.

Logistics Information:
Project categories
Electrical Engineering
Student ranks applicable
Junior
Senior
Student qualifications

Necessary background in semiconductors, novel computing paradigms, SPICE

Hours per week
3 credits / 12+ hours
Compensation
Research for Credit
Number of openings
1
Techniques learned

application-hardware co-design, device simulation, circuit simulation

Project start
Fall 2026
Contact Information:
Mentor
kni@nd.edu
Assistant Professor
Name of project director or principal investigator
Kai Ni
Email address of project director or principal investigator
kni@nd.edu
1 sp. | 1 appl.
Hours per week
3 credits / 12+ hours
Project categories
Electrical Engineering