Memory models of adaptive behaviour

TL;DR

This paper develops electronic memory circuit models inspired by slime molds' ability to memorize environmental cycles and predict future changes, using memristive and memcapacitive components.

Contribution

It introduces two novel circuit models for adaptive memory based on biological inspiration, and compares their behaviors and predictions.

Findings

Memristive damping enables adaptive behavior in circuit models.

The models can memorize and anticipate environmental variations.

Proposed models can be distinguished through specific biological experiments.

Abstract

Adaptive response to a varying environment is a common feature of biological organisms. Reproducing such features in electronic systems and circuits is of great importance for a variety of applications. Here, we consider memory models inspired by an intriguing ability of slime molds to both memorize the period of temperature and humidity variations, and anticipate the next variations to come, when appropriately trained. Effective circuit models of such behavior are designed using i) a set of LC-contours with memristive damping, and ii) a single memcapacitive system-based adaptive contour with memristive damping. We consider these two approaches in detail by comparing their results and predictions. Finally, possible biological experiments that would discriminate between the models are discussed. In this work, we also introduce an effective description of certain memory circuit elements.