Silicon neurons that burst when primed

Abstract— We present a silicon neuron that responds with a highfrequency burst of spikes (> 250Hz) when appropriately primed; otherwise it responds with lower frequency single spikes (< 100Hz). Our model is based upon neurons that relay sensory inputs to the cortex. The bursts (2-6 spikes) are caused by an excitatory calcium channel, designed using circuits that capture the channel’s nonlinear dynamics. With sufficient priming, the channel opens quickly and closes slowly when the neuron’s voltage increases. Priming the channel requires lowering the neuron’s voltage for a sufficient period; thus, inhibitory inputs that can control

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2007
• Where: ISCAS
• Authors: Kai M. Hynna, Kwabena Boahen
• Keywords: Frequency Single Spikes, ISCAS 2007, Neuron’s Voltage, Neuron’s Voltage Increases