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227-1033-00L 6 Credits BSC , MSC , WBZ , NDS D-HEST , D-MAVT , D-MATH , D-PHYS , D-ITET , D-INFK
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Neuromorphic Engineering I

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Giacomo Indiveri, PD Dr. Shih-Chii Liu, Prof. em. Dr. Tobias Delbrück
Registration in this class requires the permission of the instructors. Class size will be limited to available lab spots. Preference is given to students that require this class as part of their major. Information for UZH students: Enrolment to this course unit only possible at ETH. No enrolment to module INI404 at UZH. Please mind the ETH enrolment deadlines for UZH students:
VVZ CR 1.4

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:01:33

Abstract

This course covers analog circuits with emphasis on neuromorphic engineering: MOS transistors in CMOS technology, static circuits, dynamic circuits, systems (silicon neuron, silicon retina, silicon cochlea) with an introduction to multi-chip systems. The lectures are accompanied by weekly laboratory sessions.

Objective

Understanding of the characteristics of neuromorphic circuit elements.

Content

Neuromorphic circuits are inspired by the organizing principles of biological neural circuits. Their computational primitives are based on physics of semiconductor devices. Neuromorphic architectures often rely on collective computation in parallel networks. Adaptation, learning and memory are implemented locally within the individual computational elements. Transistors are often operated in weak inversion (below threshold), where they exhibit exponential I-V characteristics and low currents. These properties lead to the feasibility of high-density, low-power implementations of functions that are computationally intensive in other paradigms. Application domains of neuromorphic circuits include silicon retinas and cochleas for machine vision and audition, real-time emulations of networks of biological neurons, and the development of autonomous robotic systems. This course covers devices in CMOS technology (MOS transistor below and above threshold, floating-gate MOS transistor, phototransducers), static circuits (differential pair, current mirror, transconductance amplifiers, etc.), dynamic circuits (linear and nonlinear filters, adaptive circuits), systems (silicon neuron, silicon retina and cochlea) and an introduction to multi-chip systems that communicate events analogous to spikes. The lectures are accompanied by weekly laboratory sessions on the characterization of neuromorphic circuits, from elementary devices to systems.

Resources

Literature

S.-C. Liu et al.: Analog VLSI Circuits and Principles; various publications.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , MSC , WBZ , NDS
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
oral 20 minutes
Each student attends one lab session per week.Mandatory labs and scores: We will drop your 3 lowest lab grades, but you must successfully complete the first 3 labs, which are mandatory. In addition, you are required to attend at least one of the last 2 labs.Students, who don't fulfil these conditions, must deregister from the final exam, otherwise it would be decreed “broken off”.The final grade is based 70% on exam and 30% on lab exercises.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Neuromorphic Engineering I
Permission from lecturers required for all students. **together with University of Zurich**
  • Mon 14:15-16:00 (LFO C 13)
  • 26.09 Date 14:00-15:45
  • 26.09 Date None-None
2 h weekly
exercise Neuromorphic Engineering I
Permission from lecturers required for all students. **together with University of Zurich** Dates by arrangement.
  • By Appointment None-None
3 h weekly

Offered In