Abstract: A method for training a neural network using monostable multivibrators as neurons and a related hardware configuration method are disclosed. Each monostable multivibrator includes inputs respectively connected to an excitatory and an inhibitory input wire. The multivibrators are set to a triggered state if an amount of excitatory input exceeds a first threshold and are set to an idle state if an amount of inhibitory input exceeds a second threshold. Output spikes are generated when a duration associated with the multivibrators has elapsed, returning the multivibrators from the triggered back to the idle state. A backpropagation training algorithm is executed to train the network. During the forward passes, intra-network connections are modulated over a number of training epochs so as to gradually transform them into discrete variables. During backward passes, vanishing or exploding gradients related to discontinuous spike generation events, trigger events, and reset events are replaced by surrogate gradients.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes a transcutaneous capacitive data link circuit. The link circuit include: a first pair of capacitors each having an external electrode configured to be externally positioned on a recipient and an internal electrode configured to be internally positioned in the recipient; a first voltage driver having positive and negative terminals each connected to one of the external electrodes, and configured to generate a first voltage drive signal responsive to a first input control signal; and a first differential amplifier circuit connected to the internal electrodes, configured to generate a first output data signal representative of the first input control signal.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes a transcutaneous capacitive data link circuit. The link circuit include: a first pair of capacitors each having an external electrode configured to be externally positioned on a recipient and an internal electrode configured to be internally positioned in the recipient; a first voltage driver having positive and negative terminals each connected to one of the external electrodes, and configured to generate a first voltage drive signal responsive to a first input control signal; and a first differential amplifier circuit connected to the internal electrodes, configured to generate a first output data signal representative of the first input control signal.

Abstract: A cochlear implant is disclosed, comprising: a transcutaneous energy transfer circuit for transcutaneously transferring power across a recipient's skin; and a transcutaneous capacitive data link circuit for transcutaneously transferring data across the recipient's skin, wherein the transcutaneous energy transfer circuit and the transcutaneous capacitive data link circuit operate independently of each other.

Abstract: A cochlear implant is disclosed, comprising: a transcutaneous energy transfer circuit for transcutaneously transferring power across a recipient's skin; and a transcutaneous capacitive data link circuit for transcutaneously transferring data across the recipient's skin, wherein the transcutaneous energy transfer circuit and the transcutaneous capacitive data link circuit operate independently of each other.