Transistor mimics the activities of a brain neuron

• An international research team has designed a neurotransistor that mimics the activities of a brain neuron1. The team merged the learning and memory functions of a neuron in this device, making it act as an artificial neuron.
• The device could potentially be used for artificial intelligence systems that can process information using a network.
• Transistors, according to recent studies, could potentially be used to emulate the functions of neurons.
• The scientists, including an Indian researcher from the University of Calcutta in Kolkata, India,, invented the neurotransistor using silicon nanowires on an eight-inch insulated silicon wafer. They then covered the transistor with a metal-ion-doped sol-gel-derived silicate film that has multiple input gates and output channels.
• Experiments and simulation studies show that the transistor functions like a random-access-memory device. It doesn’t need an extra device that stores electrical charge, such as a capacitor.
• The film that covers the transistor mimics the local or global ion movement through the ion channels of neuronal membrane. This allows mobility of metal and non-metal ions in the film.
• Unlike existing devices, which have a fixed memory, the transistor’s memory can be tuned by varying its charging capacity in response to various voltages. The mobile ions in the film aid in this process.
• The researchers say that it is possible to scale up the production of the transistor using a conventional transistor-making process. Such a possibility means that this device could be used to make complex computing devices, they add.
• References: 1. Baek, E. et al. Intrinsic plasticity of silicon nanowire neurotransistors for dynamic memory and learning functions. Nat. Electron.(2020) doi: 10.1038/s41928-020-0412-1 Source: https://www.natureasia.com/

Back To Top

Tell-Us