Digital Low-Cost FPGA Implementation of Two-Coupled and Grid-Based Network of 2D Artificial Cochlea Using the Hopf Resonator Approach

The Cochlea, a spiral-shaped structure in the inner ear, plays a crucial role in the process of hearing by converting sound waves into electrical signals that the brain can interpret. This study introduces a cost-effective adaptation of 2D artificial Cochlea mathematical modeling using a planar approximation technique. The main novelty and contribution of our work is a method employs surface-based functions and is known as the Surface-Based Approximation Model of Cochlea (SBAMoC). By simplifying complex multiplication processes in nonlinear components, the SBAMoC reduces costs and enhances efficiency, making it suitable for FPGA implementation with minimal hardware requirements. The proposed model is evaluated in scenarios involving two-coupled oscillations and grid-based cochlear networks to better understand its performance. Through hardware synthesis on a Virtex-II board, the SBAMoC demonstrates improved efficiency and reduced computational expenses compared to the original model, achieving faster speeds and greater cost-effectiveness. In practical tests, the SBAMoC exhibits higher operational speeds and increased scalability, outperforming the original model by replicating accurate cochlear behaviors with minimal deviations. Specifically, the single SBAMoC implementation in our model achieves a speed boost of approximately 1.333 times compared to the original model (381.292 MHz vs. 286.029 MHz) and supports a greater number of fitted SBAMoCs (75 vs. 35), showcasing its superior efficiency and performance enhancements. In case of real-world applications, it can be considered for the development of more efficient and cost-effective cochlear implants, leading to improved hearing restoration solutions for individuals with hearing impairments. Also, the findings from this study could also be leveraged to enhance the design and implementation of signal processing systems in various audio and communication devices, paving the way for advanced audio processing technologies with increased efficiency and reduced hardware costs.