Contributions to Neuromorphic and Reconfigurable Circuits and Systems

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS First, I would like to thank my advisor, Dr. Paul Hasler. I appreciate his patience with me as I stumble towards becoming a researcher. I'm always amazed by his ability to talk with students in detail for hours about a plethora of subjects relating to the lab's efforts. Probably most important is his confidence in the work of his students. He firmly believes in our capabilities and states so frequently. Having that support from an advisor is invaluable. I also sincerely thank all of my labmates for so kindly helping me with this thesis. They've taught me enormous amounts about the finer points of all sorts of topics I had no idea even existed two years ago. While their technical help has been useful, they have taught me so much more than nuts and bolts. They have showed me by example how to perform good research in a deliberate, consistent manner while always considering the fundamental principles of the problem at hand. Finally, I would like to thank my family. They have contributed more than anyone else to my advancement towards this degree. Ever since I first expressed interest in this field, they have been one hundred percent behind me. When I doubt my abilities, they remind me of past successes and give me motivation to push through difficult times. Their confidence in me is sometimes the only thing that keeps me going. This document would not exist without their support.