Implementation of motoneuronal behavior using analog VLSI circuits

We have developed circuits using analog VLSI techniques to model the behavior demonstrated by biological motoneurons. Our circuits model intrinsic motoneuron components including (i) a voltage gated channel that induces a nonzero firing rate, (ii) a calcium mediated adaptation channel that reduces firing rate upon activation, and (iii) a leak channel that determines the synaptic input threshold for activation. We have implemented and tested an array of motoneuron circuits that demonstrate these intrinsic behaviors and system-level recruitment properties