Spike Event Coding Scheme

In this chapter, we present and describe a spike-based signal coding scheme for general analog computation, suitable for diverse applications, including programmable analog arrays and neuromorphic systems. This coding scheme provides a reliable method for both communication and computation of signals using an asynchronous digital common access channel. Using ternary coders and decoders, this scheme codes analog signals into time domain using asynchronous digital spikes. The spike output is dependent on input signal activity and is similar for constant signals.Systems based on this scheme present intrinsic computation: several arithmetic operations are performed without additional hardware and can be fully programmed. The design methodology and analog circuit design of the scheme are presented. Both simulations and test results from prototype chips implemented using a 3.3-V, 0.35-mu m CMOS technology are presented.