MASTISK: Simulation Framework For Design Exploration Of Neuromorphic Hardware

Abstract

In this paper, we present MASTISK (MAchine-learning and Synaptic-plasticity Technology Integrated Simulation frameworK). MASTISK is an open-source versatile and flexible tool developed in MATLAB for design exploration of dedicated neuromorphic hardware using nanodevices and hybrid CMOS-nanodevice circuits. MASTISK has a hierarchical organization capturing details at the level of devices, circuits (i.e., neurons or activation functions, synapses or weights) and architectures (i.e., topology, learning-rules, algorithms). In the current version, MASTISK provides user-friendly interface for design and simulation of spiking neural networks (SNN) powered by spatio-temporal learning rules such as Spike-Timing Dependent Plasticity (STDP). Users may provide network definition as a simple input parameter file and the framework is capable of performing automated learning/inference simulations. To validate the working of MASTISK, we present 2 case-studies: (i) RRAM based synapses, and (ii) PCM based neurons. The proposed framework offers new functionalities, compared to similar simulation tools in literature, such as: (i) arbitrary synaptic circuit modeling capability with both identical and non-identical stimuli, (ii) arbitrary spike modeling, and (iii) nanodevice based neuron emulation. The code of MASTISK is available on request at: https: //gitlab.commVMhome