Simultaneous emulation of synaptic and intrinsic plasticity using a memristive synapse

Mimicking neural plasticity more closely

31 August 2022

A nanoscale semiconductor device that simultaneously exhibits the neural plasticity of both neurons and synapses has been demonstrated.

The human brain is highly malleable, being able adapt in response to stimuli. Engineers are trying to replicate this neural plasticity in devices to enhance the capabilities of artificial intelligence. 

So far, most implementations have realized plasticity through varying the strength of connections between neurons at synapses. But it has been challenging to realize neuronal plasticity that varies the levels at which neurons are excited.

Now, five researchers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) in South Korea have integrated both types of plasticity in a single device.

This device more closely mimics the human brain by realizing synergistic interactions between the two types of plasticity.

Supported content

References

1. Nature Communications 13, 2811 (2022). doi: 10.1038/s41467-022-30432-2