Biophysically Accurate Foating Point Neuroprocessors for Reconfigurable Logic

• Published in: IEEE transactions on computers 2013-03, Vol.62 (3), p.599-608
• Main Authors: Yiwei Zhang, Mcgeehan, J. P., Regan, E. M., Kelly, S., Nunez-Yanez, J. L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Architecture; Computer Systems Organization; Decision support systems; Dendritic structure; Floating point arithmetic; Hardware; Logic; Mathematical models; Microprocessors; Neurocomputers; Neurons; Other Architecture Styles; Processor Architecture; Reconfigurable hardware; Special-Purpose and Application-Based Systems; Studies
• ISSN: 0018-9340; 1557-9956
• DOI: 10.1109/TC.2011.257

This paper presents a high-performance and biophysically accurate neuroprocessor architecture based on floating point arithmetic and compartmental modeling. It aims to overcome the limitations of traditional hardware neuron models that simplify the required arithmetic using fixed-point models. This can result in arbitrary loss of precision due to rounding errors and data truncation. On the other hand, a neuroprocessor based on a floating-point bio-inspired model, such as the one presented in this work, is able to capture additional cell properties and accurately mimic cellular behaviors required in many neuroscience experiments. The architecture is prototyped in reconfigurable logic obtaining a flexible and adaptable cell and network structure together with real time performance by using the available floating point hardware resources in parallel. The paper also demonstrates model scalability by combining the basic processor components that describe the soma, dendrite and synapse of organic cells to form more complex neuron structures.