Low Power Compact Analog Spiking Neuron Circuit Using Exponential Positive Feedback With Adaptation and Bursting Capability

Abstract

The authors present an analog spiking neuron design with a small number of transistors operating with a low supply voltage. This is achieved by using the property of exponential current in the subthreshold region as positive feedback current. The Firing threshold is adjustable. The neuron can display complex firing behaviour, such as adaptation, chattering and bursting. The circuit operates by dissipating power only during the spike generation, eliminating significant idle time power loss.