Building electronic bursters with the morris–lecar neuron model

Abstract

We propose a method for the design of electronic bursting neurons, based on a simple conductance neuron model. A burster is a particular class of neuron that displays fast spiking regimes alternating with resting periods. Our method is based on the use of an electronic circuit that implements the well-known Morris–Lecar neuron model. We use this circuit as a tool of analysis to explore some regions of the parameter space and to contruct several bifurcation diagrams displaying the basic dynamical features of that system. These bifurcation diagrams provide the initial point for the design and implementation of electronic bursting neurons. By extending the phase space with the introduction of a slow driving current, our method allows to exploit the bistabilities which are present in the Morris–Lecar system to the building of different bursting models.