Communication Networks for Neuromorphic Systems
摘要
Brain connectivity is described at various scales, ranging from synaptic connections between individual neurons at the microscale to networks of neuronal populations at the mesoscale and brain regions linked by fiber pathways at the macroscale. High bandwidth is essential for efficient communication since each neuron is connected to many others, and very low communication latency is crucial as spike timings encode information. This chapter explores network structures used for communication in neuromorphic systems, focusing on Network-on-Chip (NoC) architecture. This network facilitates the reception and transmission of spikes following the Address Event Representation (AER) protocol and aids in memory access. Detailed exploration of the methods of inter-neuron communication highlights their design principles, providing a comprehensive understanding of both on-chip and off-chip communication. The chapter covers neural communication, interconnect design principles, and advanced interconnect technologies for multicore neuromorphic systems, including 3D-NoC and Si-Photonic NoC. It concludes with exercises designed to reinforce the concepts discussed, providing practical application opportunities for readers.