Benchmarking of hardware-efficient real-time neural decoding in brain–computer interfaces

Abstract

Designing processors for implantable closed-loop neuromodulation systems presents a formidable challenge due to the constrained operational environment, requiring low latency and high energy efficiency. 
Previous benchmarks have provided limited insights into energy efficiency and latency. This paper, however, introduces algorithmic metrics that capture the potential and limitations of neural decoders for closed-loop intra-cortical brain-computer interfaces in the context of energy and hardware constraints. This study benchmarks common decoding methods for predicting a primate’s finger kinematics from the motor cortex, and explores the suitability for low latency and low compute neural decoding. The study finds that ANN-based decoders provide superior decoding accuracy, requiring a high latency and many operations to decode neural signals effectively. Spiking neural networks emerge as a solution, bridging this gap by achieving competitive decoding performance within sub-10ms while utilizing a fraction of the computational resources. 
This distinctive advantages of neuromorphic spiking neural networks, positions them as highly suitable for the challenging environment of closed-loop neural modulation. Their capacity to balance decoding accuracy and operational efficiency offers immense potential in reshaping the landscape of neural decoders, fostering greater understanding, and opening new frontiers in closed-loop intracortical human-machine interaction.