# A Mixed-Signal Structured AdEx Neuron for Accelerated Neuromorphic Cores

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/1804.01840 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/1804.01840/

## Key facts

- Cited by 2 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 5 Apr 2018.

## Built on by (most cited first, 2 of 2)

- [Bottom-up and top-down approaches for the design of neuromorphic processing systems: Tradeoffs and synergies between natural and artificial intelligence](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2106.01288/) (2021)
- [Backpropagation through space, time, and the brain](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2403.16933/) (2024)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Here we describe a multi-compartment neuron circuit based on the Adaptive-Exponential I&F (AdEx) model, developed for the second-generation BrainScaleS hardware. Based on an existing modular Leaky Integrate-and-Fire (LIF) architecture designed in 65 nm CMOS, the circuit features exponential spike generation, neuronal adaptation, inter-compartmental connections as well as a conductance-based reset. The design reproduces a diverse set of firing patterns observed in cortical pyramidal neurons. Further, it enables the emulation of sodium and calcium spikes, as well as N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) plateau potentials known from apical and thin dendrites. We characterize the AdEx circuit extensions and exemplify how the interplay between passive and non-linear active signal processing enhances the computational capabilities of single (but structured) on-chip neurons.