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http://dx.doi.org/10.5573/JSTS.2015.15.3.365

Neuron Circuit Using a Thyristor and Inter-neuron Connection with Synaptic Devices  

Ranjan, Rajeev (Inter-university Semiconductor Research Center (ISRC) and Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Seoul National University)
Kwon, Min-Woo (Inter-university Semiconductor Research Center (ISRC) and Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Seoul National University)
Park, Jungjin (Inter-university Semiconductor Research Center (ISRC) and Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Seoul National University)
Kim, Hyungjin (Inter-university Semiconductor Research Center (ISRC) and Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Seoul National University)
Park, Byung-Gook (Inter-university Semiconductor Research Center (ISRC) and Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Seoul National University)
Publication Information
JSTS:Journal of Semiconductor Technology and Science / v.15, no.3, 2015 , pp. 365-373 More about this Journal
Abstract
We propose a simple and compact thyristor-based neuron circuit. The thyristor exhibits bi-stable characteristics that can mimic the action potential of the biological neuron, when it is switched between its OFF-state and ON-state with the help of assist circuit. In addition, a method of inter-neuron connection with synaptic devices is proposed, using double current mirror circuit. The circuit utilizes both short-term and long-term plasticity of the synaptic devices by flowing current through them and transferring it to the post-synaptic neuron. The double current mirror circuit is capable of shielding the pre-synaptic neuron from the post synaptic-neuron while transferring the signal through it, maintaining the synaptic conductance unaffected by the change in the input voltage of the post-synaptic neuron.
Keywords
Neuron circuit; thyristor; synaptic device; neuromorphic system; short-term and longterm plasticity;
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