title: SIMONE: a realistic neural network simulator to reproduce MEA-based recordings.
abstract: Contemporary multielectrode arrays (MEAs) used to record extracellular activity from neural tissues can deliver data at rates on the order of 100 Mbps. Such rates require efficient data compression and/or preprocessing algorithms implemented on an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) close to the MEA. We present SIMONE (Statistical sIMulation Of Neuronal networks Engine), a versatile simulation tool whose parameters can be either fixed or defined by a probability distribution. We validated our tool by simulating data recorded from the first olfactory relay of an insect. Different key aspects make this tool suitable for testing the robustness and accuracy of neural signal processing algorithms (such as the detection, alignment, and classification of spikes). For instance, most of the parameters can be defined by a probabilistic distribution, then tens of simulations may be obtained from the same scenario. This is especially useful when validating the robustness of the processing algorithm. Moreover, the number of active cells and the exact firing activity of each one of them is perfectly known, which provides an easy way to test accuracy.
authors.affiliation: CEA/LETI, Minatec, Grenoble, France. ricardo.escola@cea.fr
authors.forename: Ricardo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Escolá
authors.forename: Christophe
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pouzat
authors.forename: Antoine
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chaffiol
authors.forename: Blaise
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Yvert
authors.forename: Isabelle E
authors.initials: IE
authors.lastname: Magnin
authors.forename: Régis
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Guillemaud
mesh_terms: D000200:Action Potentials / Q000502:physiology*; D000465:Algorithms; D003198:Computer Simulation; D008839:Microelectrodes; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000502:physiology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology