Programmable dynamics in an analog VLSI neuromorph

The architecture of an analog VLSI neuromorph which can receive and process large numbers of pulsatile inputs via a spatially extensive artificial dendritic tree is described. The artificial dendritic tree is a hybrid VLSI circuit which has distributed over its length synapses of three types: hyperpolarizing, depolarizing, and shunting. Because of the distributed nature of the circuit and its natural dynamics, input signals are segregated both spatially and temporally. In addition, neuromorph dynamics is programmable over a wide range which permits one to match neuromorph dynamical response with application dynamics. Experimental results are presented that show “membrane” response of a directionally selective neuromorph preserved over four orders of magnitude in target speed as neuromorph dynamics is correspondingly changed