Flexible Cell Modeling Using Frequency Modulation

Computational models of the cell can be used to study the impact of drugs and assess pathological risks. Typically, computational models are computationally demanding or difficult to implement in dedicated hardware for real-time emulation. A new Frequency Modulation (FM) model is proposed to address these limitations. This new model utilizes a single sine generator with constant amplitude, but phase/frequency is modulated to emulate an action potential (AP). The crucial element of this model is the identification of the modulating signal. Focusing on FPGA implementation, we have utilized a piecewise linear polynomial with a fixed number of breakpoints to serve as a modulating signal. The ability to adapt this modulating signal permits the emulation of dynamic properties and coupling of cells. We have introduced a state controller that handles both of these requirements. The building blocks of the FM model have direct integer equivalents and are amenable to implementation on digital platforms like Field Programming Gate Arrays (FPGA). We have demonstrated wavefront propagation of our model in 1-D and 2-D models of a tissue. Various parameters were used to quantify the wavefront propagation in 2-D tissues. We also emulate some cellular dysfunctions. The FM model can replicate any detailed cell model and emulate its corresponding tissue model. Overall, the results depict that the FM model has the potency for real-time cell and tissue emulation on an FPGA.