Parameterized Module Generator for an FPGA-Based Electronic Cochlea

An FPGA-based implementation of Lyon and Mead's electronic cochlea filter and its application to a real-time cochleagram display are presented. Compared with analog VLSI implementations, an FPGA implementation offers shorter design time, improved dynamic range, higher accuracy and a simpler computer interface. The FPGA cochlea filter is generated by a tool which takes filter coefficients to compile an application-optimized design with arbitrary precision. In the process of compilation, the tool can use simulation test vectors in order to determine the appropriate scaling for each filter. The resulting model can be used as an accelerator for cochlea model research or as the front end for embedded auditory signal processing systems.