Neuromorphic Computing and Engineering (Neuromorphes Rechnen und Technologie, NCE) is the institute's core lecture. Neuromorphic computing is an approach inspired by the structure and function of the human brain. Neuromorphic computers are based on silicon devices that use physical artificial neurons and synapses to perform computations. Today the term describes analog, digital and mixed-mode VLSI systems as well as software systems that implement models of neural systems. At the hardware level, neuromorphic computing can be realised with oxide-based resistive or ferroelectric memristors, among others.
The lecture presents the principles of biological computation and their implementation in hardware. Basic building blocks of neuromorphic technology are covered and the implications for the development of novel information processing technologies are outlined. The exercises complement the lecture with programming tutorials and simulation tasks.
After successfully completing the module, students understand the principles of biological computation. They know how to implement them in hardware and have basic skills in applying neuromorphic engineering.