An analog implementation of biologically plausible neurons using CCII building blocks

This study presents an analog implementation of the spiking neurons based on a piecewise-linear model. This model is a variation of the Izhikevich model, which is capable of reproducing different dynamic behaviors. The proposed circuit utilizes second generation current conveyors (CCII) building blocks. With the same topology and circuit values, this circuit can produce a wide variety of neuron behaviors just by tuning the reference current and voltage sources. In addition, since CCII can be considered as a building block for programmable analog arrays, based on the proposed circuit different neuron types can be implemented on programmable analog platforms. Simulation results are presented for different neuron behaviors with CMOS 350 nm +/- 1.5 V technology using HSPICE. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.