Realisation of binary associative memories using standardised current mode analogue building blocks

An analogue current mode design methodology is presented for the implementation of binary associative memories. Thus, by using the Hamming feedforward network as an example of a binary associative memory and efficiently mapping it into two CMOS-VLSI building block configurations, a prototype artificial neural network (ANN) is developed. The IC building blocks utilize the characteristics of the subthreshold region and converge to a classification in one pass, requiring no feedback. The result is an analog network with the desirable features of high integration, low circuit complexity, and low power dissipation.<>