Low power analog VLSI implementation of cortical neuron with threshold modulation

Neuron is the basic entity that transmits and process information through generated action potential or spikes in neuromorphic systems. In real scenario there is no fixed threshold in the cortical neuron but it varies for every neuron. In this work, the neuron with threshold modulation capability is implemented in analog VLSI using CMOS technology. The proposed neuron circuit generated time varying threshold voltage that applies to neuron input. The circuit is capable of generating a variety of different spiking patterns with diversity similar to that of real biological neuron cell. The paper describes how threshold modulation is achieved besides operation of the circuit. Simulation results of different patterns are presented along with threshold modulation to the circuit as well as power analysis for each pattern. The circuit is implemented in 0.18μm technology in Cadence Design Environment. The neuron circuit is efficient to be used in microcircuits as it consumes low power.