The anthroform neural controller: a system for detailed emulation of neural circuits

The authors describe a versatile parallel computing architecture for emulating the spinal circuits of the human nervous system. When used in conjunction with a dynamically realistic replica of the human arm, this controller will provide a versatile tool for studying human motor-sensory control. The design is based on the structural constraints of the nervous system, and consists of a special purpose digital bus which implements connections between simulated neurons running on TMS 320C30 digital signal processors (DSPs). The system supports up to 1024 individual neuron models, each connected to every other one at least once every millisecond. These neuron models may be distributed over as many as 256 processor circuit cards, each supporting an interface for high level control from a host and another for input and output functions