An Izhikevich Model Neuron MOS Circuit for Low Voltage Operation

Abstract

The Izhikevich neuron model has attracted attention because it can reproduce various neural activities although it is described by simple differential equations and is expected to be applied to engineering. Among a few MOS circuits inspired by the Izhikevich model, the circuit proposed by Wijekoon and Dudek in 2008 exhibits the simplest structure, and it is practical. However, the power supply voltage of the circuit is 3.3 V. To implement such a neuron MOS circuit using state-of-the-art semiconductor manufacturing process, we must redesign the circuit to operate it with a lower supply voltage. Thus, we analyzed their circuit operation by SPICE simulation assuming a 1.0 V supply voltage and found that the bias voltage ranges to generate specific spike activities were limited. In addition, we clarified the discrepancies between the Izhikevich neuron model and the original circuit. In this study, we propose a new Izhikevich model neuron circuit based on these findings and investigate the circuit dynamics by null-cline analysis and SPICE simulation. The dynamics of the proposed MOS circuit are close to those of the Izhikevich model and various spikes are generated. Furthermore, we successfully enlarged the bias voltage range for specific spikes.