Analog VLSI models of range-tuned neurons in the bat echolocation system

Authors:
Matthew Cheely;Timothy Horiuchi
Affiliations:
Neurosciences and Cognitive Sciences Program, University of Maryland, College Park, MD;Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD and Institute for Systems Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Venue:
EURASIP Journal on Applied Signal Processing
Year:
2003

Citing 1
Cited 1

Analog VLSI and neural systems

Analog VLSI and neural systems

A very simple spiking neuron model that allows for modeling of large, complex systems

Neural Computation

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Abstract

Bat echolocation is a fascinating topic of research for both neuroscientists and engineers, due to the complex and extremely time-constrained nature of the problem and its potential for application to engineered systems. In the bat's brainstem and midbrain exist neural circuits that are sensitive to the specific difference in time between the outgoing sonar vocalization and the returning echo. While some of the details of the neural mechanisms are known to be species-specific, a basic model of reafference-triggered, postinhibitory rebound timing is reasonably well supported by available data. We have designed low-power, analog VLSI circuits to mimic this mechanism and have demonstrated range-dependent outputs for use in a real-time sonar system. These circuits are being used to implement range-dependent vocalization amplitude, vocalization rate, and closest target isolation.