ASIC Implementation of a Nonlinear Dynamical Model for Hippocampal Prosthesis

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (9) ◽  
pp. 2472-2499 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhitong Qiao ◽  
Yan Han ◽  
Xiaoxia Han ◽  
Han Xu ◽  
Will X. Y. Li ◽  
...  

A hippocampal prosthesis is a very large scale integration (VLSI) biochip that needs to be implanted in the biological brain to solve a cognitive dysfunction. In this letter, we propose a novel low-complexity, small-area, and low-power programmable hippocampal neural network application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) for a hippocampal prosthesis. It is based on the nonlinear dynamical model of the hippocampus: namely multi-input, multi-output (MIMO)–generalized Laguerre-Volterra model (GLVM). It can realize the real-time prediction of hippocampal neural activity. New hardware architecture, a storage space configuration scheme, low-power convolution, and gaussian random number generator modules are proposed. The ASIC is fabricated in 40 nm technology with a core area of 0.122 mm[Formula: see text] and test power of 84.4 [Formula: see text]W. Compared with the design based on the traditional architecture, experimental results show that the core area of the chip is reduced by 84.94% and the core power is reduced by 24.30%.

2020 ◽  
Vol 634 ◽  
pp. A108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarrvesh S. Sridhar ◽  
Raffaella Morganti ◽  
Kristina Nyland ◽  
Bradley S. Frank ◽  
Jeremy Harwood ◽  
...  

Low-power radio sources dominate the radio sky. They tend to be small in size and dominated by their cores, but the origin of their properties and the evolution of their radio plasma are not well constrained. Interestingly, there is mounting evidence that low-power radio sources can significantly affect their surrounding gaseous medium and may therefore be more relevant for galaxy evolution than previously thought. In this paper, we present low radio frequency observations obtained with LOFAR at 147 MHz of the radio source hosted by NGC 3998. This is a rare example of a low-power source that is extremely dominated by its core, but that has two large-scale lobes of low surface brightness. We combine the new 147 MHz image with available 1400 MHz data to derive the spectral index over the source. Despite the low surface brightness, reminiscent of remnant structures, the lobes show an optically thin synchrotron spectral index (∼0.6). We interpret this as being due to rapid decollimation of the jets close to the core, to high turbulence of the plasma flow, and to entrainment of thermal gas. This could be the result of intermittent activity of the central active galactic nucleus, or, more likely, temporary disruption of the jet due to the interaction of the jet with the rich circumnuclear interstellar matter. Both would result in sputtering energy injection from the core, which would keep the lobes fed, albeit at a low rate. We discuss these results in connection with the properties of low-power radio sources in general. Our findings show that amorphous low surface brightness lobes should not be interpreted by default as remnant structures. Large deep surveys (in particular the LOFAR 150 MHz LoTSS and the recently started 1400 MHz Apertif survey) will identify a growing number of objects similar to NGC 3998 where these ideas can be further tested.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document