10. Neural Networks and Artificial Brains

Question 1

If we tried to build a brain using silicon chips, what would happen?

Answer 1

It would consume 10 megawatts (enough electricity to power a town) and the heat produced would cause it to melt

Question 2

What percent of the total energy consumption of the brain is consumed in the conduction of action potentials and in synaptic transmission?

Answer 2

50-80%.

Question 3

Compared to speed of computers, speed of nerve impulses is very slow. True or false?

Answer 3

True

Question 4

How does the brain work despite being slow?

Answer 4

Constructed as highly parallel networks, most neurons connect directly to many thousands of others.

Question 5

Strategy adopted by engineers to reduce power and increase speed of digital brains

Answer 5

Analogue rather than digital coding. Instead of coding digitally in 0’s and 1’s, analogue circuits code in continuous changes in voltages. Calculations can then be done in fewer steps