On the Development of MCU-based ad hoc HW Interface Circuitry for Memristor Characterization

The evolution of resistive switching device (memristor) technology during the last ten years has shown the great potential of such emerging nanoelectronic devices in several potential applications, ranging from memory to computing and sensing. As memristor technology is continuously maturing, more devices become commercially available and thus accessible to investigators working on relevant research topics, as well as to university teaching labs and academics who wish to incorporate memristor-related experiments in their classrooms. However, experimental work on circuits with memristors requires particular caution and supervision, given that such devices are both highly sensitive (i.e., can easily burn out) and still quite expensive compared to other discrete circuit components. In this context, the development of integrated instrumentation solutions that provide a safe way to experimental work with memristors is becoming increasingly relevant, and some such tools have already reached the market. In this direction, we present some early results from our experience on the design and development of an instrumentation printed circuit board (PCB), designed to provide an ad hoc low-cost solution for measurements on memristors. The driving circuitry on the PCB is interfaced through a microcontroller-based system, providing easy programming and acquisition for a variety of measurements.