Inter-Neuron Communications for Large-Scale Neural Networks using Capacitive Coupling

A novel inter-neuron communications method for increased scalability of spiking neural networks (SNNs) is presented. Capacitive coupling is used as the communication medium with spike functions replaced by oscillatory bursts. The dependency of the coupling signals between neuron layers as a function of neuron density, frequency and track loading is predicted. High Q decoding filters and accurate frequency matching between transmitting neurons and receiving synapses was achieved using band pass filters. Micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) were used in the filter circuits and burst oscillators because of their high Q values. The method of fabricating the on-chip coupling capacitors and associated oscillator/filter circuits is discussed.