VLSI Neural Processors Based on Optimization Neural Networks

Compact analog/digital electronic data processors of a novel type are based on the concept of the optimization cellular neural network (OCNN) and are implemented in very-large-scale integrated (VLSI) circuitry. These VLSI neural processors are being developed to perform a variety of computation-intensive tasks in maximizing the return of useful scientific information from future multiple-sensor microspacecraft, given such considerations as synergy among multiple sensors, limits on the power and bandwidth available for transmission of data, and the need to recognize significant data in the absence of prior explicit instructions. The OCNN concept also has obvious potential for terrestrial "smart"-sensor and other data-reduction applications.