227-1033-00L Neuromorphic Engineering I
Semester | Autumn Semester 2019 |
Lecturers | T. Delbrück, G. Indiveri, S.‑C. Liu |
Periodicity | yearly recurring course |
Language of instruction | English |
Comment | Registration in this class requires the permission of the instructors. Class size will be limited to available lab spots. Preference is given to students that require this class as part of their major. |
Abstract | This course covers analog circuits with emphasis on neuromorphic engineering: MOS transistors in CMOS technology, static circuits, dynamic circuits, systems (silicon neuron, silicon retina, silicon cochlea) with an introduction to multi-chip systems. The lectures are accompanied by weekly laboratory sessions. |
Learning objective | Understanding of the characteristics of neuromorphic circuit elements. |
Content | Neuromorphic circuits are inspired by the organizing principles of biological neural circuits. Their computational primitives are based on physics of semiconductor devices. Neuromorphic architectures often rely on collective computation in parallel networks. Adaptation, learning and memory are implemented locally within the individual computational elements. Transistors are often operated in weak inversion (below threshold), where they exhibit exponential I-V characteristics and low currents. These properties lead to the feasibility of high-density, low-power implementations of functions that are computationally intensive in other paradigms. Application domains of neuromorphic circuits include silicon retinas and cochleas for machine vision and audition, real-time emulations of networks of biological neurons, and the development of autonomous robotic systems. This course covers devices in CMOS technology (MOS transistor below and above threshold, floating-gate MOS transistor, phototransducers), static circuits (differential pair, current mirror, transconductance amplifiers, etc.), dynamic circuits (linear and nonlinear filters, adaptive circuits), systems (silicon neuron, silicon retina and cochlea) and an introduction to multi-chip systems that communicate events analogous to spikes. The lectures are accompanied by weekly laboratory sessions on the characterization of neuromorphic circuits, from elementary devices to systems. |
Literature | S.-C. Liu et al.: Analog VLSI Circuits and Principles; various publications. |
Prerequisites / Notice | Particular: The course is highly recommended for those who intend to take the spring semester course 'Neuromorphic Engineering II', that teaches the conception, simulation, and physical layout of such circuits with chip design tools. Prerequisites: Background in basics of semiconductor physics helpful, but not required. |