An integrate-and-fire neuron circuit made from printed organic field-effect transistors

Abstract

Neuromorphic circuits that mimic the operation of nerve cells are promising approaches to interface with or emulate the operation of biological neural network. These types of electronic circuits have generally been realised by fabrication using well-established silicon technology but herein we report the fabrication of a simple neuromorphic circuit, specifically, an integrate-and-fire (I&F) circuit, using solution-processed OFETs. It consists of p-type organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) realised with parylene-dielectric, printed silver electrodes and a solution processed semiconductor on a flexible plastic substrate. As the behaviour of the fabricated I&F circuit is predictable by simulation, the reported process allows for customised circuit design and provides the basis to realise a variety of flexible neuromorphic circuit designs. • Neuromorphic circuits can mimic the electrical spiking of nerve cells. • A simple neuromorphic circuit made using printed organic field-effect transistors. • Performance of a printed integrate and fire circuit can be modelled by simulation.