VLSI and Neural Networks Systems

Website
(617) 353-9882
Location: PHO 303
Associated faculty: Hubbard

The VNNS group designs, builds, and tests innovative architectures that span a wide variety of VLSI applications in electrical, biomedical, and defense-related fields. Chips designed using digital and analog integrated circuit methodologies are built using CMOS technologies and tested in the lab. The group is equipped with a full suite of design tools and testing instrumentation for analog and digital systems.  Applications include neural-net processing, single-chip large-molecule and DNA analyzers, and chips that emulate the functioning of the mammalian peripheral auditory system for the purpose of weapons classification and localization.  Recent work has moved in the direction of algorithm development and FPGA implementations for event-based processing of signals from special-purpose hardware, the prototypes of which originating in the VLSI lab.  This hardware is now being advanced by a spun-out, local company started by former students, the second one of which the VNNS Research Lab has produced.