A VLSI model of range-tuned neurons in the bat echolocation system

The neural computations that support bat echolocation are of great interest to both neuroscientists and engineers, due to the complex and extremely time-constrained nature of the problem and its potential for application to engineered systems. In various areas of the bat’s brain, there exist neural circuits that are sensitive to the specific difference in time between the outgoing sonar vocalization and the returning echo, or time-of-flight. While some of the details of the neural mechanisms are known to be speciesspecific, a basic model of re-afference triggered, post-inhibitory rebound timing is reasonably well supported by the available data. We have designed low-power neuromorphic VLSI circuits to mimic this mechanism and have demonstrated range-dependent outputs for use in a real time sonar system. These circuits are being used to implement range-dependent vocalization rates and amplitudes.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2003
• Where: ISCAS
• Authors: Matthew Cheely, Timothy K. Horiuchi
• Keywords: ISCAS 2003, Neural, Neural Circuits, Outgoing Sonar Vocalization