Neuromorphic Computing
Brain-inspired architectures, spiking neural networks, and ultra-low power AI
🧠 Bio-Inspired Technology Notice
Neuromorphic computing represents a paradigm shift toward brain-inspired computation with event-driven processing, massive parallelism, and ultra-low power consumption. While showing immense promise for edge AI and real-time applications, the field is still emerging with limited software tools, programming models, and deployment frameworks. Current applications focus on specific domains like sensor processing, robotics, and pattern recognition.
Neuromorphic Architectures
Spiking Neural Networks
Spiking Neural Network Framework
import numpy as np
import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
from typing import Dict, List, Tuple, Optional, Callable
from dataclasses import dataclass
from abc import ABC, abstractmethod
import time
from collections import defaultdict
@dataclass
class Spike:
"""Represents a neural spike event"""
neuron_id: int
timestamp: float
weight: float = 1.0
class SpikingNeuron(ABC):
"""Abstract base class for spiking neuron models"""
def __init__(self, neuron_id: int, config: Dict):
self.neuron_id = neuron_id
self.config = config
# State variables
self.membrane_potential = config.get('v_rest', -70.0) # mV
self.threshold = config.get('v_threshold', -50.0) # mV
self.reset_potential = config.get('v_reset', -80.0) # mV
# Timing
self.last_spike_time = -np.inf
self.refractory_period = config.get('refractory_period', 2.0) # ms
# Input tracking
self.input_spikes = []
self.synaptic_weights = {}
@abstractmethod
def update(self, dt: float, current_time: float) -> Optional[Spike]:
"""Update neuron state and return spike if threshold crossed"""
pass
def add_input_spike(self, spike: Spike, weight: float = 1.0):
"""Add input spike to neuron"""
self.input_spikes.append((spike, weight))
def is_refractory(self, current_time: float) -> bool:
"""Check if neuron is in refractory period"""
return (current_time - self.last_spike_time) < self.refractory_period
class LIFNeuron(SpikingNeuron):
"""Leaky Integrate-and-Fire neuron model"""
def __init__(self, neuron_id: int, config: Dict):
super().__init__(neuron_id, config)
# LIF parameters
self.tau_membrane = config.get('tau_membrane', 20.0) # ms
self.resistance = config.get('resistance', 1.0) # MOhm
self.capacitance = config.get('capacitance', 1.0) # nF
def update(self, dt: float, current_time: float) -> Optional[Spike]:
"""Update LIF neuron dynamics"""
if self.is_refractory(current_time):
return None
# Calculate input current from spikes
input_current = self._calculate_input_current(current_time)
# Membrane potential dynamics: C * dV/dt = -(V - V_rest)/R + I
leak_current = (self.membrane_potential - self.config['v_rest']) / self.resistance
dv_dt = (-leak_current + input_current) / self.capacitance
self.membrane_potential += dv_dt * dt
# Check for spike
if self.membrane_potential >= self.threshold:
# Generate spike
spike = Spike(self.neuron_id, current_time)
# Reset membrane potential
self.membrane_potential = self.reset_potential
self.last_spike_time = current_time
# Clear processed input spikes
self.input_spikes = []
return spike
return None
def _calculate_input_current(self, current_time: float) -> float:
"""Calculate total input current from synaptic inputs"""
total_current = 0.0
for spike, weight in self.input_spikes:
# Exponential decay of synaptic current
tau_syn = self.config.get('tau_synaptic', 5.0) # ms
delay = current_time - spike.timestamp
if delay >= 0:
synaptic_current = weight * np.exp(-delay / tau_syn)
total_current += synaptic_current
return total_current
class IzhikevichNeuron(SpikingNeuron):
"""Izhikevich neuron model - efficient and versatile"""
def __init__(self, neuron_id: int, config: Dict):
super().__init__(neuron_id, config)
# Izhikevich parameters
self.a = config.get('a', 0.02) # Recovery time constant
self.b = config.get('b', 0.2) # Sensitivity of recovery
self.c = config.get('c', -65.0) # After-spike reset value
self.d = config.get('d', 8.0) # After-spike reset of recovery
# State variables
self.v = config.get('v_rest', -70.0) # Membrane potential
self.u = self.b * self.v # Recovery variable
def update(self, dt: float, current_time: float) -> Optional[Spike]:
"""Update Izhikevich neuron dynamics"""
# Calculate input current
input_current = self._calculate_input_current(current_time)
# Izhikevich equations
dv_dt = 0.04 * self.v**2 + 5 * self.v + 140 - self.u + input_current
du_dt = self.a * (self.b * self.v - self.u)
self.v += dv_dt * dt
self.u += du_dt * dt
# Check for spike
if self.v >= 30.0: # Spike threshold
# Generate spike
spike = Spike(self.neuron_id, current_time)
# Reset dynamics
self.v = self.c
self.u += self.d
self.last_spike_time = current_time
# Clear processed input spikes
self.input_spikes = []
return spike
return None
def _calculate_input_current(self, current_time: float) -> float:
"""Calculate input current for Izhikevich model"""
total_current = 0.0
for spike, weight in self.input_spikes:
# Alpha function for synaptic current
tau = self.config.get('tau_synaptic', 5.0)
delay = current_time - spike.timestamp
if delay >= 0:
# Alpha function: I(t) = (t/tau) * exp(1 - t/tau)
alpha_factor = (delay / tau) * np.exp(1 - delay / tau)
synaptic_current = weight * alpha_factor
total_current += synaptic_current
return total_current
class STDPSynapse:
"""Spike-Timing Dependent Plasticity synapse"""
def __init__(self, pre_neuron_id: int, post_neuron_id: int, config: Dict):
self.pre_neuron_id = pre_neuron_id
self.post_neuron_id = post_neuron_id
self.config = config
# Synaptic weight
self.weight = config.get('initial_weight', 0.5)
self.min_weight = config.get('min_weight', 0.0)
self.max_weight = config.get('max_weight', 1.0)
# STDP parameters
self.tau_plus = config.get('tau_plus', 20.0) # ms
self.tau_minus = config.get('tau_minus', 20.0) # ms
self.a_plus = config.get('a_plus', 0.01)
self.a_minus = config.get('a_minus', 0.01)
# Spike history
self.pre_spike_times = []
self.post_spike_times = []
def update_weight(self, pre_spike_time: Optional[float],
post_spike_time: Optional[float]):
"""Update synaptic weight based on STDP rule"""
# Record spike times
if pre_spike_time is not None:
self.pre_spike_times.append(pre_spike_time)
if post_spike_time is not None:
self.post_spike_times.append(post_spike_time)
# Apply STDP for recent spikes
if pre_spike_time is not None and post_spike_time is not None:
dt = post_spike_time - pre_spike_time
if dt > 0: # Post before pre (potentiation)
weight_change = self.a_plus * np.exp(-dt / self.tau_plus)
self.weight += weight_change
elif dt < 0: # Pre before post (depression)
weight_change = -self.a_minus * np.exp(dt / self.tau_minus)
self.weight += weight_change
# Clip weight to bounds
self.weight = np.clip(self.weight, self.min_weight, self.max_weight)
class SpikingNeuralNetwork:
"""
Comprehensive spiking neural network framework
Features:
- Multiple neuron models (LIF, Izhikevich, etc.)
- STDP learning and other plasticity rules
- Event-driven simulation
- Real-time processing capabilities
- Encoding/decoding for classical data
"""
def __init__(self, config: Dict):
self.config = config
# Network components
self.neurons = {}
self.synapses = {}
self.layers = {}
# Simulation state
self.current_time = 0.0
self.dt = config.get('dt', 0.1) # ms
# Event queues
self.spike_events = []
self.spike_history = defaultdict(list)
# Monitoring
self.monitors = {}
def add_neuron(self, neuron_id: int, neuron_type: str, config: Dict):
"""Add neuron to network"""
if neuron_type == 'LIF':
neuron = LIFNeuron(neuron_id, config)
elif neuron_type == 'Izhikevich':
neuron = IzhikevichNeuron(neuron_id, config)
else:
raise ValueError(f"Unknown neuron type: {neuron_type}")
self.neurons[neuron_id] = neuron
def add_synapse(self, pre_id: int, post_id: int, weight: float,
plasticity: str = 'static'):
"""Add synapse between neurons"""
synapse_id = (pre_id, post_id)
if plasticity == 'STDP':
synapse = STDPSynapse(pre_id, post_id, {
'initial_weight': weight,
**self.config.get('stdp_config', {})
})
else:
# Static synapse
synapse = {'weight': weight, 'type': 'static'}
self.synapses[synapse_id] = synapse
def simulate(self, duration: float, input_spikes: List[Spike] = None) -> Dict:
"""Simulate network for given duration"""
if input_spikes is None:
input_spikes = []
# Sort input spikes by time
input_spikes.sort(key=lambda s: s.timestamp)
# Simulation loop
end_time = self.current_time + duration
input_spike_index = 0
while self.current_time < end_time:
# Process input spikes at current time
while (input_spike_index < len(input_spikes) and
input_spikes[input_spike_index].timestamp <= self.current_time):
spike = input_spikes[input_spike_index]
self._process_input_spike(spike)
input_spike_index += 1
# Update all neurons
output_spikes = []
for neuron_id, neuron in self.neurons.items():
spike = neuron.update(self.dt, self.current_time)
if spike is not None:
output_spikes.append(spike)
self.spike_history[neuron_id].append(spike.timestamp)
# Propagate spikes through synapses
for spike in output_spikes:
self._propagate_spike(spike)
# Update plasticity
self._update_plasticity(output_spikes)
# Advance time
self.current_time += self.dt
return {
'spike_history': dict(self.spike_history),
'final_time': self.current_time,
'total_spikes': sum(len(spikes) for spikes in self.spike_history.values())
}
def _process_input_spike(self, spike: Spike):
"""Process external input spike"""
if spike.neuron_id in self.neurons:
neuron = self.neurons[spike.neuron_id]
neuron.add_input_spike(spike)
def _propagate_spike(self, spike: Spike):
"""Propagate spike through network synapses"""
pre_neuron_id = spike.neuron_id
# Find all synapses from this neuron
for (pre_id, post_id), synapse in self.synapses.items():
if pre_id == pre_neuron_id:
# Get synaptic weight
if isinstance(synapse, STDPSynapse):
weight = synapse.weight
else:
weight = synapse['weight']
# Create weighted spike
weighted_spike = Spike(
neuron_id=pre_neuron_id,
timestamp=spike.timestamp,
weight=weight
)
# Send to post-synaptic neuron
if post_id in self.neurons:
post_neuron = self.neurons[post_id]
post_neuron.add_input_spike(weighted_spike, weight)
def _update_plasticity(self, spikes: List[Spike]):
"""Update synaptic plasticity"""
for spike in spikes:
pre_neuron_id = spike.neuron_id
# Update STDP synapses
for (pre_id, post_id), synapse in self.synapses.items():
if isinstance(synapse, STDPSynapse):
pre_spike_time = spike.timestamp if pre_id == pre_neuron_id else None
# Check for post-synaptic spikes
post_spike_time = None
for post_spike in spikes:
if post_spike.neuron_id == post_id:
post_spike_time = post_spike.timestamp
break
synapse.update_weight(pre_spike_time, post_spike_time)
class SpikeEncoder:
"""Encode classical data into spike trains"""
@staticmethod
def rate_encoding(values: np.ndarray, duration: float, max_rate: float = 100.0) -> List[Spike]:
"""Encode values as Poisson spike trains"""
spikes = []
for neuron_id, value in enumerate(values):
# Normalize value to rate
rate = max_rate * max(0, min(1, value)) # Hz
# Generate Poisson spikes
if rate > 0:
# Average inter-spike interval
isi = 1000.0 / rate # ms
current_time = 0.0
while current_time < duration:
# Exponential distribution for next spike
next_isi = np.random.exponential(isi)
current_time += next_isi
if current_time < duration:
spikes.append(Spike(neuron_id, current_time))
return spikes
@staticmethod
def temporal_encoding(values: np.ndarray, duration: float) -> List[Spike]:
"""Encode values as spike timing"""
spikes = []
for neuron_id, value in enumerate(values):
# Map value to spike time
spike_time = duration * max(0, min(1, value))
spikes.append(Spike(neuron_id, spike_time))
return spikes
class SpikeDecoder:
"""Decode spike trains into classical data"""
@staticmethod
def rate_decoding(spike_history: Dict[int, List[float]],
window_duration: float) -> np.ndarray:
"""Decode spike trains using firing rates"""
neuron_ids = sorted(spike_history.keys())
rates = []
for neuron_id in neuron_ids:
spike_times = spike_history[neuron_id]
# Count spikes in window
spike_count = len(spike_times)
# Convert to rate (Hz)
rate = spike_count / (window_duration / 1000.0)
rates.append(rate)
return np.array(rates)
@staticmethod
def temporal_decoding(spike_history: Dict[int, List[float]]) -> np.ndarray:
"""Decode using first spike times"""
neuron_ids = sorted(spike_history.keys())
times = []
for neuron_id in neuron_ids:
spike_times = spike_history[neuron_id]
if spike_times:
# Use first spike time
first_spike = min(spike_times)
times.append(first_spike)
else:
# No spike - use maximum time
times.append(np.inf)
# Normalize to [0, 1]
times = np.array(times)
max_time = np.max(times[times != np.inf])
if max_time > 0:
times = np.where(times == np.inf, 1.0, times / max_time)
return times
# Example applications
def pattern_recognition_example():
"""Example: Pattern recognition with SNN"""
# Create network
config = {
'dt': 0.1,
'stdp_config': {
'tau_plus': 20.0,
'tau_minus': 20.0,
'a_plus': 0.01,
'a_minus': 0.01
}
}
network = SpikingNeuralNetwork(config)
# Add input layer (4 neurons)
for i in range(4):
network.add_neuron(i, 'LIF', {
'v_rest': -70.0,
'v_threshold': -50.0,
'v_reset': -80.0,
'tau_membrane': 20.0
})
# Add hidden layer (2 neurons)
for i in range(4, 6):
network.add_neuron(i, 'Izhikevich', {
'a': 0.02,
'b': 0.2,
'c': -65.0,
'd': 8.0
})
# Add output layer (1 neuron)
network.add_neuron(6, 'LIF', {
'v_rest': -70.0,
'v_threshold': -45.0, # Lower threshold for output
'v_reset': -80.0,
'tau_membrane': 20.0
})
# Connect layers with STDP synapses
# Input to hidden
for i in range(4):
for j in range(4, 6):
network.add_synapse(i, j, weight=0.5, plasticity='STDP')
# Hidden to output
for i in range(4, 6):
network.add_synapse(i, 6, weight=0.8, plasticity='STDP')
# Training patterns
patterns = [
np.array([1.0, 0.0, 1.0, 0.0]), # Pattern A
np.array([0.0, 1.0, 0.0, 1.0]), # Pattern B
]
# Training
for epoch in range(10):
for pattern_id, pattern in enumerate(patterns):
# Encode pattern
input_spikes = SpikeEncoder.rate_encoding(pattern, duration=50.0)
# Simulate
result = network.simulate(duration=50.0, input_spikes=input_spikes)
print(f"Epoch {epoch}, Pattern {pattern_id}: {len(result['spike_history'].get(6, []))} output spikes")
return network
def real_time_processing_example():
"""Example: Real-time sensor processing"""
print("Real-time SNN processing simulation...")
# Simplified real-time processing loop
network = SpikingNeuralNetwork({'dt': 1.0}) # 1ms resolution
# Add sensor processing neurons
for i in range(8): # 8 sensor inputs
network.add_neuron(i, 'LIF', {
'v_rest': -70.0,
'v_threshold': -50.0,
'tau_membrane': 10.0 # Fast dynamics
})
# Simulate real-time processing
for time_step in range(100): # 100ms simulation
# Generate sensor data (simulated)
sensor_data = np.random.rand(8)
# Encode as spikes
input_spikes = SpikeEncoder.rate_encoding(sensor_data, duration=1.0, max_rate=200.0)
# Process in real-time
start_time = time.time()
result = network.simulate(duration=1.0, input_spikes=input_spikes)
processing_time = (time.time() - start_time) * 1000 # ms
if time_step % 20 == 0:
print(f"Time {time_step}ms: {processing_time:.2f}ms processing time")
return "Real-time processing completed"
if __name__ == "__main__":
print("=== Spiking Neural Network Examples ===")
# Pattern recognition
print("\n1. Pattern Recognition:")
pattern_network = pattern_recognition_example()
# Real-time processing
print("\n2. Real-time Processing:")
real_time_result = real_time_processing_example()
print(real_time_result)
Neuromorphic Learning Rules
Spike-Timing Dependent Plasticity (STDP)
Synaptic strength changes based on relative timing of pre/post spikes
Reward-Modulated STDP (R-STDP)
STDP modulated by global reward signals for reinforcement learning
Homeostatic Plasticity
Maintains stable activity levels through intrinsic and synaptic scaling
Spike-Rate Dependent Plasticity
Learning based on firing rates rather than precise timing
Neuromorphic Hardware Platforms
Platform | Specifications | Power | Applications |
---|---|---|---|
Intel Loihi Neuromorphic research chip with 128 cores and 130K neurons | 128 cores, 130K neurons, 130M synapses | <100mW | Research, edge AI, robotics |
IBM TrueNorth Digital neuromorphic processor with 1M neurons | 4096 cores, 1M neurons, 256M synapses | 70mW | Pattern recognition, sensor processing |
SpiNNaker Massively parallel system for real-time neural simulation | 1M ARM cores, 1B neurons simulation | 1kW for full system | Brain simulation, spiking neural networks |
BrainChip Akida Commercial neuromorphic processor for edge AI | 1.2M neurons, commercial availability | <1W | Edge AI, computer vision, audio processing |
Applications & Advantages
Key Advantages
- • Ultra-low power: 1000x more efficient than digital
- • Real-time processing: Event-driven computation
- • Temporal dynamics: Natural time-based processing
- • Fault tolerance: Graceful degradation
- • Adaptive learning: Online plasticity
- • Massive parallelism: Brain-like architecture
Applications
- • Edge AI: IoT and mobile devices
- • Robotics: Real-time sensor processing
- • Autonomous vehicles: Sensor fusion
- • Brain-computer interfaces: Neural signal processing
- • Smart sensors: Adaptive signal processing
- • Wearable devices: Health monitoring
Related Technologies
Intel Loihi→
Neuromorphic research processor
NEST Simulator→
Spiking neural network simulator
Brian2→
Python-based spiking neural network simulator
SpiNNaker→
Massively parallel neuromorphic platform
BindsNET→
PyTorch-based spiking neural networks
Nengo→
Neural engineering framework
PyTorch→
Deep learning framework for neuromorphic simulation
NumPy→
Numerical computing for neuromorphic algorithms