Noise-driven switching between limit cycles and adaptability in a small-dimensional excitable network with balanced coupling

Abstract

We study the adaptability of coupled non‐linear oscillators to external forcing by using a system of globally coupled FitzHugh‐Nagumo equations. Each unit is either excitatory or inhibitory. If the numbers of units of both types are in a specific relation (balanced coupling), we observe the presence of multistable oscillatory states with different excitation or firing rates. In the presence of noise, there is noise‐driven switching between these states. The selection between higher‐ and lower‐frequency oscillations depends on the input, which results in increasing coherence between the periodic input and the system’s output.