An ultra low power spiking neural encoder of microwave signals
Résumé
In this paper, an original concept is presented in order to perform the spike-based encoding of a Continuous Wave (CW) microwave signal. It relies upon the use of the so-called Morris-Lecar Artificial Neuron (ML AN). It is demonstrated that, when applying the CW microwave signal to the ML AN through a transconductance, spike encoding (with low spike frequency) occurs. It is shown that: (i) the output spike frequency varies as function of the CW microwave voltage signal magnitude, (ii) spike encoding of the microwave signal is observed up to a RF frequency as high as 16 GHz. Thanks to the use of the ML AN to perform this microwave signal encoding, an outstanding ultra low power consumption – less than 100 pW – is achieved.