A silicon model of an adapting motoneuron

We have designed, fabricated, and tested an analog VLSI neuron model that exhibits many of the input-output properties characteristic of mammalian motoneurons. The circuit, which is based on an integrate-and-fire architecture, demonstrates a user-controllable recruitment threshold, a non-zero start frequency, and continuous rate adaptation across its operating range. The degree and rate of adaptation can be independently controlled. The model is suitable for use in large arrays, allowing simulation of motor pools.