Leaky Integrate-and-Fire Biristor Neuron

Spiking neural network has attracted much attention due to its efficient learning and recognition capability. Herein, a leaky integrate-and-fire (LIF) neuron is implemented using conventional silicon fabrication on 4F2 footprint. A vertical n-p-n back-to-back diode with floating p-base region, referred as biristor, functions as the LIF neuron. A static current drive results in closed loop feedback in the biristor, exhibiting output voltage oscillation due to periodic charging and discharging in the floating p-base. The LIF rate linearly increases with the drive current. A spiking frequency of up to a few kHz is verified.