Neuron circuit, neural network and electronic equipment

Abstract

The invention provides a neuron circuit, a neuron network and electronic equipment. The neuron circuit comprises a self-rectification memristor, an input resistor, a threshold adjusting resistor, a comparison module and a pulse trigger module. Input voltage is converted into local gradient voltage through the self-rectification memristor and the input resistor, threshold voltage is output through the threshold adjusting resistor, and finally the comparison module and the pulse trigger module output pulse signals or low-level signals according to the magnitude relation between the local gradient voltage and the threshold voltage. Therefore, a neuron pulse sending function is realized. And the threshold voltage is adjusted based on the adjustable resistance value of the threshold adjusting resistor, so that the threshold value of neuronal pulse transmission is adjustable. In addition, the size of the local gradient voltage is detected to simulate the nociceptor of the organism, so that the neuron circuit and the nociceptor are simultaneously simulated through one circuit structure.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of artificial neural networks, and in particular to a neuron circuit, a neuron network and an electronic device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Self-rectifying memristors provide an innovative solution to the problem of sneak current in high-density memory arrays. Although this type of device has made significant progress in simulating synaptic plasticity, the potential of self-rectifying memristors in simulating biological functions such as neuron pulse firing and pain threshold regulation has not been fully explored.

[0003] That is, the prior art can usually only implement nociceptors or neuron circuits based on a single self-rectifying memristor, and the neuron circuit cannot adjust the pulse output threshold of the neuron, thereby being incompatible with multiple application scenarios. SUMMARY

[0004] The present application provides a neuron circuit, a neuron network and an electronic device to solve the above technical problems, so as to realize adjustable output threshold of neuron pulse on the basis of simultaneously simulating neuron pulse transmission and nociceptors.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present application, a neuron circuit is provided, comprising: a self-rectifying memristor, a first end of the self-rectifying memristor being connected to an input voltage, the self-rectifying memristor being configured to output an input current from a second end thereof according to the input voltage; an input resistor, a first end of the input resistor being connected to the second end of the self-rectifying memristor, a second end of the input resistor being connected to a ground terminal, the input resistor being configured to output a local gradient voltage from the first end thereof according to the input current; a threshold adjusting resistor, a first end of the threshold adjusting resistor being connected to a power supply voltage, a second end of the threshold adjusting resistor being connected to the ground terminal, a third end of the threshold adjusting resistor outputting a threshold voltage, the threshold adjusting resistor being configured to adjust a resistance value between the third end thereof and the second end thereof according to an externally input threshold adjusting signal, so as to adjust a size of the threshold voltage; a comparison module, the comparison module being configured to compare the local gradient voltage and the threshold voltage, and output a pulse trigger signal if the local gradient voltage is greater than the threshold voltage, and output a pulse termination signal if the local gradient voltage is less than the threshold voltage; a pulse trigger module, the pulse trigger module being configured to output a pulse signal according to the pulse trigger signal, and output a low-level signal according to the pulse termination signal.

[0006] Optionally, the comparison module comprises a comparator, an inverting input end of the comparator being connected to a first end of the input resistor, a non-inverting input end of the comparator being connected to a third end of the threshold adjustment resistor; if the local gradient voltage is greater than the threshold voltage, the comparator outputs a low-level pulse trigger signal; if the local gradient voltage is less than the threshold voltage, the comparator outputs a high-level pulse termination signal.

[0007] Optionally, the model of the comparator comprises at least LM393P.

[0008] Optionally, the pulse trigger module comprises a first matching resistor, a second matching resistor, a pulse trigger and an output resistor. A first end of the first matching resistor is connected to the power supply voltage, and a second end of the first matching resistor is connected to a low-end trigger pin of the pulse trigger. A first end of the second matching resistor is connected to the power supply voltage, and a second end of the second matching resistor is connected to a high-end trigger pin and a discharge pin of the pulse trigger, respectively. The low-end trigger pin of the pulse trigger is also connected to an output end of the comparator, and the pulse trigger is used to output an initial pulse signal from an output pin thereof according to the pulse trigger signal inputted through the low-end trigger pin thereof, or output a low-level signal from the output pin thereof according to the pulse termination signal inputted through the low-end trigger pin thereof. A first end of the output resistor is connected to the output pin of the pulse trigger, a second end of the output resistor outputs the pulse signal or the low-level signal, and a third end of the output resistor is connected to a ground end.

[0009] Optionally, the model of the pulse trigger comprises any one of NE555P, SW555 and NA555.

[0010] Optionally, the input resistor has a resistance of 1MΩ, the first matching resistor has a resistance of 10KΩ, and the second matching resistor has a resistance of 1MΩ.

[0011] Optionally, the threshold adjustment resistor and the output resistor each comprise an adjustable resistor.

[0012] Optionally, the maximum resistance of each of the threshold adjustment resistor and the output resistor is 10KΩ.

[0013] According to a second aspect of the present application, a neuron network is provided, comprising the neuron circuit provided in the first aspect of the present application.

[0014] According to a third aspect of the present application, an electronic device is provided, comprising the neuron network provided in the second aspect of the present application.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the technical scheme of the present application has the following beneficial effects: The neuron circuit provided by the present application, first, the input resistance outputs a local gradient voltage to the comparison module according to the input current output by the self-rectifying memristor, and the third end of the threshold adjusting resistance outputs a threshold voltage to the comparison module. Second, if the local gradient voltage is greater than the threshold voltage, the comparison module outputs a pulse trigger signal; if the local gradient voltage is less than the threshold voltage, the comparison module outputs a pulse termination signal. Finally, the pulse trigger module outputs a pulse signal according to the pulse trigger signal and outputs a low-level signal according to the pulse termination signal, thereby simulating the pulse transmission of biological neurons. Since the threshold adjusting resistance can adjust the resistance value between its third end and its second end according to the externally input threshold adjusting signal to adjust the size of the threshold voltage, the threshold value of the neuron is adjustable, thereby increasing the application scenarios of the neuron circuit of the present application and improving the compatibility of the circuit. In addition, by detecting the size of the local gradient voltage, the nociceptor of the organism can also be simulated, thereby simultaneously simulating the neuron pulse transmission and nociceptor through one circuit structure.

[0016] Further, the output resistance in the pulse trigger module is set as an adjustable resistor, thereby realizing the amplitude adjustment of the pulse signal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical scheme in the embodiments of the present application or the prior art, the drawings needed to be used in the embodiments or the prior art description will be briefly introduced as follows. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application, and other drawings can also be obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor on the basis of these drawings.

[0018] Figure 1 is a waveform simulating the generation of pain by nociceptors Figure 1 ; Figure 2 is a waveform simulating the generation of pain by nociceptors Figure 2 ; Figure 3 is a circuit structure schematic diagram of the neuron circuit provided by the present embodiment; Figure 4 is a V-I transmission characteristic diagram of the self-rectifying memristor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] As described in the background, the prior art can usually only realize a nociceptor or a neuron circuit based on a single self-rectifying memristor, and the neuron circuit cannot adjust the pulse output threshold of the neuron, thereby being unable to be compatible with multiple application scenarios.

[0020] In view of the above, the technical scheme of the present application provides a new neuron circuit, which comprises a self-rectifying memristor, an input resistor, a threshold adjusting resistor, a comparison module and a pulse trigger module. The input voltage is converted into a local gradient voltage through the self-rectifying memristor and the input resistor, and a threshold voltage is output through the threshold adjusting resistor. Finally, the comparison module and the pulse trigger module output a pulse signal or a low-level signal according to the size relationship between the local gradient voltage and the threshold voltage, thereby realizing the neuron pulse sending function. In addition, the threshold voltage input to the comparison module can be adjusted by adjusting the resistance value of the threshold adjusting resistor, thereby realizing the threshold-adjustable neuron pulse sending. In addition, the size of the local gradient voltage can also be detected to simulate the biological nociceptor, thereby simultaneously simulating the neuron circuit and the nociceptor through one circuit structure.

[0021] Before introducing the present embodiment, the neuron pulse sending and the nociceptor are introduced respectively: For the neuron pulse sending, the specific working mechanism is as follows: when the neuron circuit receives an input voltage, the membrane potential is at a resting potential. When the neuron circuit receives an input voltage, the membrane potential will rise or fall according to the nature of the input voltage, until the membrane potential reaches a preset threshold, at which time the neuron will immediately generate a pulse signal and output it to the downstream synapse.

[0022] For the nociceptor, the specific working mechanism is as follows: when the external stimulus does not make the feeling reach the pain threshold, the body does not feel pain. When the external stimulus makes the feeling reach the pain threshold, the body will feel pain, and the pain feeling will be more intense as the stimulus increases. For details, please refer to Figure 1 , the voltage can be understood as the external stimulus, and the current can be understood as the actual feeling. When the external applied voltage does not exceed 4V, the current does not reach the threshold. When the external applied voltage exceeds 4V, the current reaches the threshold, and the current increases with the increase of the voltage.

[0023] In the area that has been stimulated by the external stimulus, i.e. the damaged area, the stimulus will be more susceptible to pain due to the decrease of the pain threshold. For details, please refer to Figure 2 , the solid line represents the change of the pain response with the external stimulus before injury. The dotted line represents the change of the pain response with the external stimulus after injury. It can be clearly seen that the pain feeling is more sensitive to the external stimulus after injury.

[0024] With reference to the drawings of the embodiments of the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments of the present application. Based on the embodiments of the present application, all the other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work fall within the scope of the present application.

[0025] The terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth" and the like in the description and claims of the present application and the above drawings (if any) are used to distinguish similar objects, and do not necessarily indicate a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the data thus used can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances, so that the embodiments of the present application described herein can be implemented in other than the order illustrated or described herein. In addition, the terms "comprise" and "have" and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, for example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a list of steps or units does not necessarily limit to those steps or units clearly listed, but can include other steps or units not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0026] The technical solutions of the present application will be described in detail below with specific embodiments. The following specific embodiments can be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be described in some embodiments.

[0027] Figure 3 The circuit structure schematic diagram of the neuron circuit provided in the present embodiment is shown in the following figure.

[0028] Please refer to Figure 3 The neuron circuit provided in the present embodiment includes a self-rectifying memristor RM, an input resistor R1, a threshold adjusting resistor R4, a comparison module 10 and a pulse trigger module 20.

[0029] The first end of the self-rectifying memristor RM is connected to an input voltage Vin, and the self-rectifying memristor RM is used to output an input current from the second end thereof according to the input voltage Vin.

[0030] Please refer to Figure 4 Specifically, the V-I transmission characteristic of the self-rectifying memristor RM is as shown in the following figure. Figure 4 As can be seen from the figure, the V-I transmission characteristic of the self-rectifying memristor RM under the application of a pre-voltage is similar to the stimulated response of the self-rectifying memristor RM under the damaged state in Figure 2 , and the V-I transmission characteristic of the self-rectifying memristor RM under the application of no pre-voltage is similar to the stimulated response of the self-rectifying memristor RM under the undamaged state in Figure 2 , so that the nociceptor can be simulated by the self-rectifying memristor RM.

[0031] The first end of the input resistor R1 is connected to the second end of the self-rectifying memristor RM, and the second end of the input resistor R1 is connected to the ground. Further, the resistance value of the input resistor R1 is 1MΩ. Of course, the resistance value of the input resistor R1 can be adjusted according to specific applications, which is not limited herein.

[0032] When the self-rectifying memristor RM outputs an input current, the input current flows through the input resistor R1, thereby generating a local gradient voltage LGP at the first end of the input resistor R1. The local gradient voltage LGP is used to represent the membrane potential generated after the neuron receives an input voltage Vin.

[0033] The first end of the threshold adjusting resistor R4 is connected to the power supply voltage Vcc, the second end of the threshold adjusting resistor R4 is connected to the ground, and the third end of the threshold adjusting resistor R4 outputs a threshold voltage Vth. The threshold voltage Vth is used to represent the threshold voltage Vth of the neuron output pulse voltage. The threshold adjusting resistor R4 is used to adjust the resistance value between the third end and the second end of the threshold adjusting resistor R4 according to the externally input threshold adjusting signal, so as to adjust the size of the threshold voltage Vth.

[0034] Specifically, the threshold adjusting resistor R4 includes an adjustable resistor, for example, a sliding rheostat. The third end of the threshold adjusting resistor R4 is the resistance adjusting end of the adjustable resistor. By changing the resistance value between the resistance adjusting end and the second end of the threshold adjusting resistor R4, the voltage division of the power supply voltage Vcc at the resistance adjusting end is changed, thereby changing the size of the threshold voltage Vth output by the resistance adjusting end, i.e. the third end of the threshold adjusting resistor R4, and further realizing the threshold adjustable of the neuron output pulse. Further, the maximum resistance value of the threshold adjusting resistor R4 includes 10KΩ, and the resistance value at the resistance adjusting end is between 0 and 10KΩ. Of course, the maximum resistance value of the threshold adjusting resistor R4 and the resistance value at the resistance adjusting end can be adjusted according to actual applications, which is not limited herein.

[0035] In different application scenarios, the threshold requirements of the neuron output pulse are different, so that the threshold adjustable of the neuron output pulse makes the neuron circuit of the embodiment applicable in different scenarios, thereby improving the compatibility of the circuit.

[0036] The comparison module 10 compares the local gradient voltage LGP and the threshold voltage Vth. If the local gradient voltage LGP is greater than the threshold voltage Vth, the comparison module 10 outputs a pulse trigger signal. If the local gradient voltage LGP is less than the threshold voltage Vth, the comparison module 10 outputs a pulse termination signal.

[0037] Specifically, the comparator CMP module is a comparator CMP, an inverting input terminal of the comparator CMP is connected with a first terminal of the input resistor R1, and a non-inverting input terminal of the comparator CMP is connected with a third terminal of the threshold adjusting resistor R4; if the local gradient voltage LGP is greater than the threshold voltage Vth, the comparator CMP outputs a low-level pulse trigger signal; if the local gradient voltage LGP is less than the threshold voltage Vth, the comparator CMP outputs a high-level pulse termination signal. Further, a model of the comparator CMP module at least includes LM393P.

[0038] The pulse trigger module 20 is used for outputting a pulse signal according to the pulse trigger signal and outputting a low-level signal according to the pulse termination signal. The pulse trigger module 20, in combination with the comparison module 10, realizes simulation of pulse sending of a neuron, and in combination with the self-rectifying memristor RM, simulates a nociceptor, so that the neuron pulse sending and the nociceptor are simulated simultaneously through one circuit structure.

[0039] Please continue to refer to Figure 3 Specifically, the pulse trigger module 20 includes a first matching resistor R2, a second matching resistor R3, a pulse trigger 21, and an output resistor R5. In the embodiment, a model of the pulse trigger 21 is specifically NE555P.

[0040] The low-end trigger pin TR of the pulse trigger 21 is also connected with an output terminal of the comparator CMP, and the pulse trigger 21 is used for outputting an initial pulse signal from an output pin thereof according to the pulse trigger signal inputted to the low-end trigger pin TR thereof, or outputting a low-level signal from the output pin thereof according to the pulse termination signal inputted to the low-end trigger pin TR thereof.

[0041] A first terminal of the first matching resistor R2 is connected with the power supply voltage Vcc, and a second terminal of the first matching resistor R2 is connected with the low-end trigger pin TR of the pulse trigger 21. The first matching resistor R2 functions as a pull-up resistor of the output terminal of the comparator CMP, and is used for leading out a high-level signal of the comparator CMP.

[0042] A first terminal of the second matching resistor R3 is connected with the power supply voltage Vcc, and a second terminal of the second matching resistor R3 is connected with the high-end trigger pin TH and the discharge pin DI of the pulse trigger 21 respectively. The second matching resistor R3 controls a pulse width of the initial pulse signal according to a resistance value of the second matching resistor R3.

[0043] Further, the first matching resistor R2 has a resistance of 10KΩ, and the second matching resistor R3 has a resistance of 1MΩ. Of course, the resistance of the first matching resistor R2 and the resistance of the second matching resistor R3 can be adjusted according to actual application, which is not limited herein.

[0044] According to the working principle of NE555P, if the low end trigger pin TR of NE555P is connected to low level, the output pin of NE555P outputs high level signal, i.e. the initial pulse signal; if the high end trigger pin TH of NE555P is connected to high level, the output pin of NE555P outputs low level signal.

[0045] Therefore, when the local gradient voltage LGP is less than the threshold voltage Vth, the comparison module 10 outputs the pulse termination signal with high level pulse to the low end trigger pin TR of the pulse trigger 21, so that the output pin of the pulse trigger 21 outputs low level signal. When the local gradient voltage LGP is greater than the threshold voltage Vth, the comparison module 10 outputs the pulse termination signal with low level pulse to the low end trigger pin TR of the pulse trigger 21, so that the output pin of the pulse trigger 21 outputs high level signal.

[0046] Of course, the model of the pulse trigger 21 can include SW555, NA555, etc. in addition to NE555P in other embodiments, which is not limited herein. Since the pulse triggers 21 of other models have the same working principle as NE555P, the pulse triggers 21 of other models will not be described herein.

[0047] The first end of the output resistor R5 is connected to the output pin of the pulse trigger 21, the second end of the output resistor R5 outputs the pulse signal or the low level signal, and the third end of the output resistor R5 is connected to the ground. The output resistor R5 is used to divide the initial pulse signal output by the output end of the pulse trigger 21, so as to output the pulse signal from the second end thereof.

[0048] Specifically, the output resistor R5 can also be an adjustable resistor, for example, a slide rheostat, the second end of the resistor output is the resistance adjustment end of the adjustable resistor, by changing the resistance value between the resistance adjustment end and the second end of the output resistor R5, to change the voltage division of the initial pulse signal at the resistance adjustment end, thereby changing the size of the threshold voltage Vth output by the resistance adjustment end, i.e. the second end of the output resistor R5, thereby realizing the adjustable amplitude of the pulse signal. Further, the maximum resistance value of the output resistor R5 includes 10 KΩ, and the resistance value at the resistance adjustment end is between 0 and 10 KΩ. Of course, the maximum resistance value of the output resistor R5 and the resistance value at the resistance adjustment end can both be adjusted according to actual application, which is not limited here.

[0049] In summary, the neuron circuit provided by the embodiment of the present application first outputs a local gradient voltage to the comparison module according to the input current output by the self-rectifying memristor, and the third end of the threshold adjusting resistor outputs a threshold voltage to the comparison module. Second, if the local gradient voltage is greater than the threshold voltage, the comparison module outputs a pulse trigger signal; if the local gradient voltage is less than the threshold voltage, the comparison module outputs a pulse termination signal. Finally, the pulse trigger module outputs a pulse signal according to the pulse trigger signal and outputs a low-level signal according to the pulse termination signal, thereby simulating the pulse transmission of a biological neuron. Since the threshold adjusting resistor can adjust the resistance value between its third end and its second end according to an externally input threshold adjusting signal, to adjust the size of the threshold voltage, thereby realizing the adjustable threshold of the neuron, thereby increasing the application scenarios of the neuron circuit of the present application and improving the compatibility of the circuit. In addition, by detecting the size of the local gradient voltage, the nociceptor of a living being can also be simulated, thereby simultaneously simulating the neuron pulse transmission and nociceptor through one circuit structure.

[0050] Further, the output resistor in the pulse trigger module is set as an adjustable resistor, thereby realizing the amplitude adjustment of the pulse signal.

[0051] Another embodiment provides a neuron network comprising the neuron circuit provided in the previous embodiment.

[0052] Still another embodiment provides an electronic device comprising the neuron network provided in the previous embodiment.

[0053] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, and are not intended to limit the present application; although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that the technical solutions recorded in the above embodiments can be modified, or some or all of the technical features can be replaced by equivalents; and these modifications or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A neuron circuit, characterized in that, include: A self-rectified memristor, wherein the first terminal of the self-rectified memristor is connected to an input voltage, and the self-rectified memristor is used to output an input current from its second terminal according to the input voltage; An input resistor, the first end of which is connected to the second end of the self-rectified memristor, the second end of which is connected to ground, and the input resistor outputs a local gradient voltage from its first end according to the input current; A threshold adjustment resistor, wherein the first terminal of the threshold adjustment resistor is connected to the power supply voltage, the second terminal of the threshold adjustment resistor is connected to the ground terminal, and the third terminal of the threshold adjustment resistor outputs a threshold voltage. The threshold adjustment resistor is used to adjust the resistance between its third terminal and its second terminal according to the externally input threshold adjustment signal, so as to adjust the magnitude of the threshold voltage. The comparison module compares the local gradient voltage with the threshold voltage; if the local gradient voltage is greater than the threshold voltage, the comparison module outputs a pulse trigger signal; if the local gradient voltage is less than the threshold voltage, the comparison module outputs a pulse termination signal. A pulse triggering module is configured to output a pulse signal according to the pulse triggering signal and to output a low-level signal according to the pulse termination signal.

2. The neuron circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The comparison module includes a comparator, the inverting input of which is connected to the first terminal of the input resistor, and the non-inverting input of which is connected to the third terminal of the threshold adjustment resistor. If the local gradient voltage is greater than the threshold voltage, the comparator outputs a low-level pulse trigger signal; if the local gradient voltage is less than the threshold voltage, the comparator outputs a high-level pulse termination signal.

3. The neuron circuit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The comparator model includes at least LM393P.

4. The neuron circuit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pulse triggering module includes a first matching resistor, a second matching resistor, a pulse trigger, and an output resistor; The first end of the first matching resistor is connected to the power supply voltage, and the second end of the first matching resistor is connected to the low-end trigger pin of the pulse trigger. The first end of the second matching resistor is connected to the power supply voltage, and the second end of the second matching resistor is connected to the high-side trigger pin and the discharge pin of the pulse trigger, respectively. The low-end trigger pin of the pulse trigger is also connected to the output terminal of the comparator. The pulse trigger is used to output an initial pulse signal from its own output pin according to the pulse trigger signal connected to its own low-end trigger pin, or to output a low-level signal from its own output pin according to the pulse termination signal connected to its own low-end trigger pin. The first end of the output resistor is connected to the output pin of the pulse trigger, the second end of the output resistor outputs the pulse signal or the low-level signal, and the third end of the output resistor is connected to ground.

5. The neuron circuit according to claim 4, characterized in that, The pulse trigger model includes at least one of NE555P, SW555, and NA555.

6. The neuron circuit according to claim 4, characterized in that, The input resistor has a resistance of 1MΩ, the first matching resistor has a resistance of 10KΩ, and the second matching resistor has a resistance of 1MΩ.

7. The neuron circuit according to claim 4, characterized in that, Both the threshold adjustment resistor and the output resistor include adjustable resistors.

8. The neuron circuit according to claim 7, characterized in that, The maximum resistance of both the threshold adjustment resistor and the output resistor is 10 kΩ.

9. A neural network, characterized in that, Includes the neuron circuit described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that, Including the neural network described in claim 9.

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