Abstract
The implementation of a silicon neuron based on an OTA(operational transconductance amplifier) with a negative resistor for neuron chip is described. The proposed time-varying silicon neuron consists of a coupled oscillator representing the cell body and a current-controlled negative resistor with an input summing junction. SPICE (simulation program with integrated circuit emphasis) simulation results showed that a neuron pulse is generated above a threshold input current of 70 nA. In addition, we performed simulations of a three-neuron chain connected by two synapses to confirm signal transmission. The proposed circuit was fabricated using a 0.5μm double-poly-CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) technology. Measurements of the fabricated single neuron and three-neuron chain were carried out by applying an input stimulus in condition of 5V DC power supply, and the results were compared to the simulations.
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Heo, Y., Song, H. Circuit modeling and implementation of a biological neuron using a negative resistor for neuron chip. BioChip J 6, 17–24 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13206-012-6103-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13206-012-6103-x