Dissipation-Accuracy-Speed tradeoffs in computations executed via on-lattice self-assembly

Computations are subject to thermodynamic constraints. In particular, there exist fundamental trade-offs between the accuracy, speed, and dissipation of information-processing systems. We investigate such relationships in an experimentally inspired model of a molecular computer. This model computes programmable Boolean circuits through the self-assembly dynamics of information-bearing DNA tiles. Data from simulations suggests the existence of a tradeoff between speed, accuracy, and dissipation. In particular, high-accuracy computations necessitate both a large dissipation and an increased speed. We will discuss the nature of these dissipation-accuracy-speed tradeoffs, as well as the dependence of these tradeoffs on the complexity of the Boolean circuit being executed.