Modelling of nanowire FETs based neural network for tactile pattern recognition in E-skin

This paper presents device, circuit and system modelling to validate the use of neural nanowire FETs (u-NWFETs) towards a hardware-realizable Neural Network. Hardware neural networks are promising for neuromorphic computing and have many prospective applications for bi-directional interface in prosthetics, and electroceuticals etc. Device simulation of a u-NWFET has been carried out followed by circuit implementation to validate the use of silicon nanowires (Si-NWs) as neuronal elements. A system level simulation of 258 neurons (225 sensor neurons, 50 hidden layer neurons and 3 output layer neurons) has been performed to demonstrate tactile pattern recognition. Training has been carried out and validation of the trained network gives an accurate classification of a database of 50 tactile images into 3 classifiers.