Models of cyclic oscillation using VLSI-based neural elements

As a prelude to the VLSI implementation of a biologically-based locomotory network, the phenomenon of recurrent cyclic inhibition was recreated in VLSI-based artificial neurons for parametric analysis of its oscillatory range and stability. The IC-based artificial neurons used in this study are behaviorally comprehensive and highly configurable, allowing for a variety of transient and steady characteristics to be precisely and continuously adjustable. Circuit tests indicate that recurrent cyclic inhibitory prototypes do not require synaptic dynamics, and show remarkable stability, even when the self-excitatory frequency of each component neuron varies over two orders of magnitude.