Design of Hardware-Based Biomimetic Neural Networks Exhibiting Oscillatory Burst Firing of Lamprey Nervous System

Abstract

We designed hardware-based neural networks (HNNs) that resemble neural functions of the lamprey using electronic circuits. The lamprey has a relatively simple nervous system among vertebrates. In addition, the central pattern generator of the lamprey is better understood than that of other vertebrates. Hence, we designed the HNNs based on the known structure of the lamprey nervous system. The HNNs can generate burst firing that imitates two functions of lamprey. In one function, the left and right segments alternately generate oscillatory burst firing. In the other function, burst firing propagates from head to tail of the lamprey. Therefore, we achieved biomimetic HNNs that generate oscillatory activity from the lamprey nervous system.