A high precision VLSI loser-take-all circuit for neural networks and fuzzy systems

The design and simulation of a novel CMOS voltage mode LTA (loser-take-all) circuit is described. The circuit employs additional inhibitory and local excitatory feedback based on a common voltage computation and this improves both speed and precision drastically. As a result, a single stage cell provides better resolution in comparison to previous works where cascading of multiple stages is necessary to improve resolution. This makes the circuit suitable for systems where silicon area and power consumption are constraints. Moreover, the feedback arrangement ensures a single loser. Simulations in Cadence show that a single cell can resolve voltage differences as small as 0.5 mV in around 50 ns with 1 pF load capacitance. Detailed simulation results along with appropriate mathematical relations have been provided. This circuit is a fundamental building block in the competitive layer of self organizing neural networks, nonlinear filters, fuzzy and neuromorphic systems.