I've been looking at this neuron stuff for years, and this chip is exciting.
To implement the same (brain) stuff in software or FPGA can be a nightmare.. slow, and cumbersome, not to mention power hungry.
One million neurons operating at 70mW.. is a BIG THING. I haven't got all the details, but I think these chips operate 'asynchronously' - there is no clock signal.
Your PC CPU, and other chips are all synchronised to clock signals (IOW you have an I7 @ 3.2Ghz -> 3.2Ghz is the clock frequency)
The problem with clock signals in the current technology is that is causes heavy power consumption, cooling problems = Big fans.
The Async/No Clock CPU is the low power alternative.
The big advantage here would be that your electronic systems will take about the same time that it takes your brain, to register the facts, but at a significant fraction of power consumption of an equivalent CPU system.
Not only that but it significantly eases the system design parameters.
...
Maybe I should slow down.. mustn't get too excited
