This talk deals with some of the broad and most compelling issues of management of data in todays’ computing systems, namely its reliable storage and processing for Big Data and Machine Learning (ML). Initially an overview of the challenges for preserving data integrity are presented with respect to few widely employed application scenarios. Then, two aspects that could be used to alleviate data corruption are introduced, namely error correcting coding (ECC) and algorithm-based fault/error tolerance. For ECC, a novel scheme for multilevel cell memories (such as made of phase-charge devices) is presented in detail to show how multiple codes can be utilized for emerging technology memories, while substantially improving metrics such as encoding/decoding hardware and memory overhead. Next, the utilization of algorithm-based fault/error tolerance is proposed as a scheme for dependability of ML; in particular, its application is presented for a classifier based on k nearest neighbors (KNN). Dependability is considered with respect to errors/faults in the hardware and its effects on a correct classification outcome. The principles of voting margin are introduced to avoid recomputation and mitigate erroneous classifications. Future directions in these fields are also outlined.
Fabrizio Lombardi graduated from the University of Essex (UK) with a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Electronic Engineering. He received the Master in Microwaves and Modern Optics, the Diploma in Microwave Engineering and the Ph. D. from the University of London. He is currently the holder of the International Test Conference (ITC) Endowed Chair at Northeastern University, Boston. Dr. Lombardi is the 2022-2023 President of the IEEE Nanotechnology Council (NTC) and a member of the IEEE Publication Services and Products Board (PSPB) (2019-2023); he was the VP of Publications of the IEEE Computer Society (CS) and the NTC. In the past, he has been the Editor-in-Chief of the IEEE Transactions on Computers, the IEEE Transactions on Emerging Topics in Computing, and the IEEE Transactions on Nanotechnology. Dr. Lombardi is a Fellow of the IEEE, the recipient of the 2011 Meritorious Service Award and elevated to Golden Core membership in the same year by the IEEE CS. He has been awarded many other IEEE awards such as the NTC Distinguished Service Award.