Analog VLSI Models of Oscillatory Biological Neural Circuits

We have used analog VLSI technology to model a class of biological neural circuits known as central pattern generators (CPGs). These circuits generate rhythmic patterns of activity which drive motor behavior in animals. We have designed, fabricated, and tested a model neuron circuit that relies on many of the same mechanisms as a biological CPG neuron, and have shown that this neuron can be used to build small models of known CPGs that produce patterns of output similar to the observed biological patterns.