Download Electronic Circuits and Architectures for Neuromorphic Computing

IEDM Tutorial:
Electronic Circuits and Architectures for Neuromorphic Computing Platforms
by Prof. Giacomo Indiveri, Univ. of Zurich and ETH Zurich
This tutorial will cover the principles and origins of neuromorphic (i.e., brain-inspired)
engineering, examples of neuromorphic circuits, how neural network architectures can be used to
build large-scale multi-core neuromorphic processors, and some specific application areas wellsuited for neuromorphic computing technologies.
At left above are detailed biophysical models of cortical circuits derived from neuroscience
experiments. In the middle, these neural networks are simulated in software using realistic
models of spiking neurons and dynamic synapses, then they are mapped into mixed analogdigital circuits, and integrated in large numbers on VLSI chips.
Digital input spikes derived from event-based sensors are integrated by synaptic circuits on the
VLSI chips. These drive targeted post-synaptic silicon neurons, which in turn integrate spatial
inputs and generate action potentials. Spikes of multiple neurons are transmitted off-chip using
asynchronous digital circuits, to eventually control autonomous-behaving systems in real-time.
Source: G. Indiveri, U. Zurich.