Simulation of a Central Pattern Generator Using Memristive Devices

Abstract

Abstract: The central pattern generator (CPG) is one of the key elements of the nervous system of Vertebrates, determining the motor, breathing, swallowing, etc. cyclic motor patterns of a living organism, which require constant maintenance and prompt (or immediate) recovery in the case of injury. In this context, the construction of neuroprosthetic systems requires the development of electronic analogs (the corresponding CPGs). It is proposed to use memristive devices as adaptive elements with continuous tunable characteristics in these systems, because they exhibit a property, similar to bio-synaptic plasticity. The CPG model is developed, which yields an output activity, similar to that of biological objects. The requirements for the temporal characteristics of tunable elements for their successful use as artificial synapses are also specified. Memristive devices of a new type are fabricated according to the Langmuir–Schaefer technique using benzothieno[3,2-b] [1]-benzothiophene (BTBT) dimer as an active layer. BTBT-based devices make it possible to switch the conductivity at low voltages and currents, which is important in the development of energy-efficient neuroprosthetic systems, and the characteristic switching times are about several hundred milliseconds, which indicates that they can be used as analogs of synapses upon instrumental realization of the CPG.