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Computational Modeling of Retinal Neurons for Visual Prosthesis Research - Fundamental Approaches
Published on: June 21, 2022
An implementation of a simple neuron model in field programmable analog arrays
1Laboratory for Neuroengineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Summary
Researchers implemented the Morris-Lecar neuron model on field programmable analog arrays (FPAs). This electronic neuron model accurately simulates biologically relevant dynamics in real-time, proving FPAs are suitable for neural simulations.
Area of Science:
- Computational Neuroscience
- Analog Electronics
- Biophysics
Background:
- The Morris-Lecar model is a simplified mathematical representation of a neuron's electrical activity.
- Field Programmable Analog Arrays (FPAs) offer reconfigurable analog circuit capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To implement and evaluate the Morris-Lecar neuron model on FPAs.
- To assess the feasibility of using FPAs for simulating neural dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Numerical integration of the Morris-Lecar differential equations using voltage-mode circuits on FPAs.
- Real-time execution and analysis of the implemented neuron model.
Main Results:
- Biologically relevant neural dynamics were successfully observed from the electronic neuron implementation.
- The FPA implementation achieved accurate real-time performance, significantly faster than real-time simulations.
- Despite FPA configurability limitations, the model's dynamics were preserved.
Conclusions:
- FPAs are a viable platform for implementing and simulating neuron models like the Morris-Lecar model.
- Off-the-shelf, software-reconfigurable analog circuit elements on FPAs can be effectively utilized for neural simulations.
