Neuromorphic Control

Neuromorphic engineering is a rapidly developing field that aims to take inspiration from the biological organization of neural systems to develop novel technology for computing, sensing and actuating. The unique properties of such systems call for new signal processing and control paradigms. The article introduces the mixed feedback organization of excitable neuronal systems, consisting of interlocked positive and negative feedback loops acting in distinct timescales. The principles of biological neuromodulation suggest a methodology for designing and controlling mixed-feedback systems neuromorphically. The proposed design consists of a parallel interconnection of elementary circuit elements that mirrors the organization of biological neurons and utilizes the hardware components of neuromorphic electronic circuits. The interconnection structure endows the neuromorphic systems with a simple control methodology that reframes the neuronal control as an input-output shaping problem. The potential of neuronal control is illustrated on simple network examples that suggest the scalability of the mixed-feedback principles.The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Research Council under the Advanced ERC Grant Agreement Switchlet n.67064