Download Interfacing neural network chips with a personal computer

Abstract
The research in the field of neural networks is no longer restricted to theoretical analysis
or simulation of these networks on serial computers. More and more networks are
implemented on chips, which is of crucial importance if full advantage of the neural
networks is wished to be taken when using them in real time applications like speech
processing or character recognition.
The Electronic Circuit Design Group at the Eindhoven University of Technology currently
is implementing several neural networks with a multi-layered perceptron architecture
together with their learning algorithms on VLSI chips. In order to test these chips and to
use them in an application they will be connected with a personal computer with help of
an interface.
This interface, that has to be as versatile as possible, meaning that it must be able to
connect all kinds of neural network chips to it, can be realized either by making use of
commercially available interfaces or by designing an own interface with help of off-theshelf components. Two interfaces will be discussed, one for the rather slow AT-bus and
one for the high speed VFSA local bus.
Although the commercially available interfaces are not as versatile as wished, and the
prices may seem rather high, they turn out to be the best way to realize the interface at
the moment. They are guaranteed to work and can be used immediately. The discussed
interfaces for the AT-bus and the VFSA local bus still have to be tested and implemented
on a printed circuit board.
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