SpiNNaker
The SpiNNaker system is based on numerical models running in real time on custom digital multicore chips using the ARM architecture.
- Free, remote access to a fast, powerful, programmable, brain-inspired computing device
- Enables high-speed, low-energy simulations or emulations of simplified spiking neural networks with synaptic plasticity
- PyNN API for simulator-independent specification of neuronal network models
Simulate or emulate spiking neural networks on SpiNNaker. Models and simulation experiments can be described in a Python script using the PyNN API and submitted either through the EBRAINS Collaboratory website or via our web API (python client available). Results can be viewed via browser and downloaded as data files for analysis, making use e.g. of the data analysis capabilities EBRAINS offers. For real time SpiNNaker simulations, direct use in a neurorobotics simulated environment is also possible.
Target users
Neuromorphic computing systems should be of interest to researchers in multiple fields, including computational neuroscience and machine learning. Platform users will be able to study network implementations of their choice, including simplified versions of brain models developed by use of the EBRAINS Simulation services or generic circuit models based on theoretical work.
The platform also offers industry researchers and technology developers the possibility to experiment with and test applications based on state-of-the-art neuromorphic devices and systems.
Neuromorphic systems can offer higher speed (real-time or accelerated) and lower energy consumption than traditional HPC resources. The accelerated systems are particularly suited for investigation of plasticity and learning, enabling simulation of hours or days of biological time in only seconds or minutes.
The EBRAINS Neuromorphic Computing Community
We have several means in place to ask for support and to connect to SpiNNaker developers and also to get in contact with other users of the system.
Support requests for all aspects of the EBRAINS NMC systems can be submitted via email to support@ebrains.eu.