Electrochemical synapses for artificial neural networks

US5315162A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Hughes Aircraft Company · US

Inventors

• John McHardy · Westlake Village, US
• Carl W. Townsend · Los Angeles, US
• Lin Higley · Troy, US
• Frank A. Ludwig · Homberg (Efze), DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 4, 1991
• Grant date: May 24, 1994
• Expiry date: Oct 4, 2011

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06N3/065
• WIPO field: Computer technology
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

An electrochemical synapse adapted for use in a neural network which includes an input terminal and an output terminal located at a distance of less than 100 microns from the input terminal. A permanent interconnect having controllable conductivity is located between the two inputs. The conductivity of the permanent interconnect is controlled by either growing or eliminating metallic whiskers between the inputs. The growth and elimination of whiskers provides a rapid and controllable electrochemical synapse. Partial neural network systems are disclosed utilizing the electrochemical synapse.