Poisson distributed noise generation for spiking neural applications

Poisson distributed spike trains are often used as the input to VLSI implementations of spiking neural networks. However, it can be difficult to generate large truly random spike distributions which can be easily applied as input to a chip. This work presents results recorded from an avalanche photo diode which demonstrates that it can be used to create a Poisson distributed spike train and describes the circuitry which will allow it to interface with other neuromorphic chips using the Address Event Representation protocol. The chip is currently being fabricated using the AMS 0.35μm HV process.