A Flexible Neural Analog Using Integrated Circuits

An electronic neural analog is described which contains variable absolute and relative refractory periods, two time constants, and separate control of the ``accommodation'' to sub-threshold voltage changes and the ``adaptation'' produced by the occurrence of output pulses (spikes). The extensive use of integrated-circuit operational amplifiers permits an accurate description of input-output relationships over a wide range of values for all parameters. This facilitates comparison of the results obtained both with neural data and mathematical or digitally simulated models of neural activity. The effect of white noise on interval histograms and their parameters is described and its effect when added to other inputs. Noise disrupts the phase-locked patterns produced by sinusoidal stimuli and the averaged response may become a smooth sinusoidal function in the presence of added noise. Adaptation may produce a phase lead to sinusoidal stimuli, while accommodation may produce a phase lag. Corresponding overshoots or undershoots are seen with square-wave inputs.