Embedded FPGA Acceleration of Brain-Like Neural Networks: Online Learning to Scalable InferenceShow others and affiliations
2025 (English)In: Proc. - IEEE Int. Symp. Embed. Multicore/Many-core Syst.-on-Chip, MCSoC, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) , 2025, p. 331-338Conference paper, Published paper (Refereed)
Abstract [en]
Edge AI increasingly requires models that learn and adapt on-device under a tight energy budget. Mainstream deep learning models, while powerful, are often overparameterized, energy-hungry and dependent on cloud connectivity. Brain-Like Neural Networks (BLNNs), such as the Bayesian Confidence Propagation Neural Network (BCPNN), propose a neuromorphic alternative by mimicking cortical architecture and biologicallyconstrained learning. They offer sparse architectures with local learning rules and unsupervised/semi-supervised learning, making them well-suited for low-power edge intelligence. However, existing BCPNN implementations rely on GPUs or datacenter FPGAs. This work presents the first embedded FPGA accelerator for BCPNN on a Zynq UltraScale+ SoC (ZCU104) using High-Level Synthesis. We implement both online learning and inference-only kernels with configurable precision (FP32, FP16, and mixed FP16/FXP16). Evaluated on MNIST, Pneumonia, and Breast Cancer datasets, our accelerator delivers up to 17.55% lower latency and 94.1% energy savings over ARM baselines. Our work brings practical, brain-like online learning and scalable inference to edge devices.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) , 2025. p. 331-338
Keywords [en]
BCPNN, BLNN, Embedded, FPGA, HLS, Neuromorphic, Bayesian networks, Brain, Budget control, Deep learning, E-learning, High level synthesis, Logic Synthesis, Low power electronics, Network architecture, Neural networks, Online systems, Program processors, Programmable logic controllers, System-on-chip, Bayesian, Bayesian confidence propagation neural network, Brain-like neural network, Embedded FPGA, Neural-networks, Online learning, Field programmable gate arrays (FPGA)
National Category
Computer Sciences
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-384584DOI: 10.1109/MCSoC67473.2025.00060Scopus ID: 2-s2.0-105032396875OAI: oai:DiVA.org:kth-384584DiVA, id: diva2:2083098
Conference
18th IEEE International Symposium on Embedded Multicore/Many-core Systems-on-Chip, MCSoC 2025, Singapore, December 15-18, 2025
Note
Part of ISBN 9798331565718
QC 20260716
2026-07-012026-07-012026-07-16Bibliographically approved