Scientists Unveil Meminductor: A Breakthrough in Adaptive Electronic Behavior

A tiny device with a big impact: this electronic chameleon *changes* its properties like a living cell. Could it redefine how machines learn and adapt?

, and Administrator

2025 December 16 . 10:07 AM

1 min read

In this picture, there are devices and a keyboard placed on the table.

Scientists Unveil Meminductor: A Breakthrough in Adaptive Electronic Behavior

Scientists at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) have created a groundbreaking electronic component called a meminductor. Developed in 2023, this device uses vanadium dioxide (VO₂) to achieve memory-like behavior in inductance. The discovery, published in IEEE journals, opens new doors for advanced computing and bio-inspired technologies.

The meminductor’s key feature is its ability to change inductance based on past electric charge. As more charge flows through it, the inductance decreases, yet it retains the fundamental properties of an ideal circuit element. This behavior follows a precise mathematical relationship: the rate of change in magnetic flux is directly tied to the applied voltage, effectively integrating current over time.

Researchers demonstrated that even a standard coil with a magnetic core can function as a meminductor, altering its inductance according to its targets. Unlike memristors, which store resistance states, meminductors influence the time constant of circuits, offering a fresh approach to information processing.

The team also replicated biological mechanisms found in amoebae—such as bio, timing, and anticipation—using meminductor-based circuits. These results suggest potential applications in deep learning and systems that mimic complex natural behaviors.

The UCSB-developed meminductor surpasses memristors in non-volatility and dynamic range, as confirmed by experimental data. Its ability to adapt inductance based on history could lead to more efficient and sophisticated electronic systems. The findings pave the way for innovations in neuromorphic computing and bio-inspired technologies.