Electronic analog of the FitzHugh-Nagumo neuron model and noninvasive control of its steady state

Abstract

An analogue electrical circuit imitating the dynamics of the FitzHugh-Nagumo neuron model is proposed. The circuit contains a nonlinear unit with an asymmetric DC current-voltage characteristic. It is demonstrated that a simple first order linear RC filter coupled to the circuit can inhibit spiking and stabilize the system on an unstable steady state. The knowledge of the position of the steady state is not required, since the filter operates as an adaptive controller. Experimental, analytical and numerical results are presented.