Synapse dynamics in CMOS derived from a model of neurotransmitter release

Neuromorphic realizations of the short-term dynamics at a synapse often use simplistic circuit models. In this paper, we present a more biologically realistic VLSI implementation of these mechanisms. Our circuit approach is analytically derived from a model of neurotransmitter release, so that it can be directly related to simulation results and biological measurements. We present a reduced implementation of this approach that is highly configurable, allowing for an individual adjustment of all model parameters. Furthermore, it achieves a high robustness against process variations and successfully reproduces biological paired-pulse depression experiments.