A silicon neuron.

M Mahowald; R Douglas

doi:10.1038/354515a0

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PubMed · 1661852

A silicon neuron.

M Mahowald·R Douglas

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Abstract

By combining neurophysiological principles with silicon engineering, we have produced an analog integrated circuit with the functional characteristics of real nerve cells. Because the physics underlying the conductivity of silicon devices and biological membranes is similar, the 'silicon neuron' is able to emulate efficiently the ion currents that cause nerve impulses and control the dynamics of their discharge. It operates in real-time and consumes little power, and many 'neurons' can be fabricated on a single silicon chip. The silicon neuron represents a step towards constructing artificial nervous systems that use more realistic principles of neuronal computation than do existing electronic neuronal networks.

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Animals Brain Cerebral Cortex Electric Conductivity Evoked Potentials Kinetics Models, Neurological Neural Networks, Computer Neurons Potassium Channels Silicon Sodium Channels Time Factors Comparative Study Journal Article Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

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M Mahowald, R Douglas. A silicon neuron.. https://doi.org/10.1038/354515a0

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