Analog Neuromorphic Circuit for Spontaneous Ca2+  Oscillations

Abstract

This work proposes for the first time an analog neuromorphic circuit architecture of the spontaneous Ca 2+ oscillations in astrocytes. Spontaneous oscillatory behavior is not dependent on synaptic stimulation, thus suggesting that astrocytes can act as a primary source in generating neuronal activity. Transistor differential pairs are used to implement an approximation to the nonlinear sigmoidal biological functions. The circuit architecture is validated through simulation and its dynamical bevahior is compared against the mathematical model using a phase diagram analysis. Results show a satisfactory fit. Finally, the spontaneous oscillations generated by the proposed circuit are used to successfully simulate the release of glutamate and ATP. Keywords: Astrocyte, Neuromorphic, Spontaneous Oscillations, Analog, Circuit