# An Architecture for Building Brains from Top to Bottom?

- Show: [EE Times Current](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current)
- Published: 2025-12-05
- Length: 55m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2025-12-05-an-architecture-for-building-brains-from-top-to-bottom
- Listen: https://podcast.show/aspencore/episode/150505077/

## Summary

Professor Chris Eliasmith of the University of Waterloo discusses his Semantic Pointer Architecture Unified Network (SPAUN) and the Neural Engineering Framework (NEF), explaining how they enable cognitive modeling and efficient neuromorphic computing. He details the development of Legendre Memory Units (LMUs) and the spin-out company Applied Brain Research, which recently released a low-power MRAM-based chip for state-space models. The episode concludes with a debate between hosts Dr. Sunny Bains and Dr. Giulia D’Angelo, and commentator Prof. Ralph Etienne-Cummings, regarding the efficiency, standardization, and practical utility of these neuromorphic approaches.

## Chapters

- [0:03](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2025-12-05-an-architecture-for-building-brains-from-top-to-bottom#t=3) Introduction and Background
- [3:04](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2025-12-05-an-architecture-for-building-brains-from-top-to-bottom#t=184) The Semantic Pointer Architecture and SPAUN
- [12:23](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2025-12-05-an-architecture-for-building-brains-from-top-to-bottom#t=743) NEF, Nengo, and Neuromorphic Hardware
- [25:40](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2025-12-05-an-architecture-for-building-brains-from-top-to-bottom#t=1540) Legendre Memory Units and State-Space Models
- [32:12](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2025-12-05-an-architecture-for-building-brains-from-top-to-bottom#t=1932) Applied Brain Research and the New Chip
- [36:59](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2025-12-05-an-architecture-for-building-brains-from-top-to-bottom#t=2219) Debate on Efficiency and Standardization

## Topics

- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Chips, FPGAs & semiconductors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/chips-and-fpgas)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies, companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Semantic Pointer Architecture Unified Network (product)
- Neural Engineering Framework (tool)
- Nengo (tool)
- Legendre Memory Units (product)
- Applied Brain Research (company)
- MRAM (chip)
- Spinnaker (chip)
- BrainChip (company)
- IBM (company)
- Intel (company)

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- [110. The Future of Neurology: Neural Interfaces Countering Neural Diseases](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-02-21-110-the-future-of-neurology-neural-interfaces-countering-neural-diseases) (The Next Byte Podcast)
- [Episode 70!!! NPUs!!!!!!!!](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2024-06-02-episode-70-npus) (The Circuit)
- [The Evolution of AI in IoT | BrainChip's Nandan Nayampally | Internet of Things Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2023-04-13-the-evolution-of-ai-in-iot-brainchips-nandan-nayampally-internet-of-things-podca) (IoT For All Podcast)
- [Ep028: Brain Skepticism Turned Up to 11,  Web Browsing in '69,  Verilog For 7400 Logic](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2019-07-26-ep028-brain-skepticism-turned-up-to-11-web-browsing-in-69-verilog-for-7400-logic) (Hackaday Podcast)

## Citing this page

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