Towards the Visual Microprocessor - VLSI Design & the use of Cellular Neural Network (CNN) Universal Machine Computers (Hardcover)

Visual microprocessors are software-controlled analogic (analog-and-logic) array computers on a single chip. To create them requires designing highly complex integrated circuits called VLSIs (Very Large Scale Integration) operating in mixed-mode (analog and digital). The architecture of these chips is based on Cellular Neural/nonlinear Networks (CNNs) extended by building blocks to become a full-featured array computer, called the CNN Universal Machine (CNN-UM). The elementary component-computers are electronic mini organism-like cells that can be re-programmed either externally or internally.
Opening with a foreword by the respected academic, Professor Leon Chua, the book progresses to explore circuit design, prototyping and analogial algorithms. Subjects covered include the VLSI design and implementation of CNNs and CNN-UMs, the testing of CNN chips and a detailed analysis of a new chip prototyping system and interfacing the CNN universal chips to a digital environment.
Distinctive features include:

• a textbook-like introduction to the new field of analogic super-computing
• design methodology of CMOS mixed-mode (analogic) array computers and optical sensors
• applications in neuro-computing, machine vision, image processing and VSL signal processing
• design methodology of a new type of algorithm for solving complex spatiotemporal tasks
• important pioneering work about a rapidly-developing and increasingly influential field of computation circuit design, and sensory computers
• a vertical coverage of topics on a new type of computer from high level language down to physical circuit design

The wide spectrum covered in this volume will be beneficial for students engaging in advanced reseacrh, professionals in electrical and electronic engineering, computer engineering, computer science, mathematics and neurobiology.