Deterministic Multimodal Perturbation Enables Neuromorphic-Compatible Signal Multiplexing

Human multisensory neurons integrate multiple sensory information obtained from the external environment for precise interpretation of an event. Inspired by biological multisensory integration/multiplexing behavior, an artificial multimodal integration system capable of emulating the perception of discomfort based on the integration of multiple sensory signals is presented. The system utilizes a sensory ring oscillator that concisely and efficiently integrates thermosensory and hygrosensory signals from artificial receptors into voltage pulses whose amplitude and frequency reflect the two individual sensory signals. Subsequently, a synaptic transistor translates voltage pulses into a postsynaptic current, which exhibits a high correlation with the calculated humidex. Finally, the feasibility of the artificial multimodal integration system is successfully demonstrated using light-emitting diode discomfort indicators, suggesting that the proposed system can act as a foundation for future studies pertaining to neuromorphic perception and complex neurorobotics.