A Power and Area Efficient CMOS Stochastic Neuron for Neural Networks Employing Resistive Crossbar Array

IEEE Trans Biomed Circuits Syst. 2019 Dec;13(6):1678-1689. doi: 10.1109/TBCAS.2019.2945559. Epub 2019 Oct 4.

Abstract

A power and area efficient CMOS stochastic neuron for resistive computing device-based neural networks is presented. The stochastic neuron performs both quantization and activation function simultaneously by using a single dynamic comparator and allows power-hungry analog to digital and digital to analog converters to be removed at the cost of the increased computation time. A network learning method utilizing a noisy sigmoid function is also presented to minimize the computation time with little accuracy degradation. A prototype neuron chip fabricated in 0.18μm CMOS process successfully demonstrates the neuron's performance and the learning method is verified through network simulations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Analog-Digital Conversion
  • Animals
  • Equipment Design
  • Humans
  • Lab-On-A-Chip Devices
  • Machine Learning
  • Models, Neurological
  • Neural Networks, Computer
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Semiconductors
  • Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted / instrumentation*
  • Stochastic Processes