Robust spike-train learning in spike-event based weight update

Abstract

Supervised learning algorithms in a spiking neural network either learn a spike-train pattern for a single neuron receiving input spike-train from multiple input synapses or learn to output the first spike time in a feedforward network setting. In this paper, we build upon spike-event based weight update strategy to learn continuous spike-train in a spiking neural network with a hidden layer using a dead zone on–off based adaptive learning rate rule which ensures convergence of the learning process in the sense of weight convergence and robustness of the learning process to external disturbances. Based on different benchmark problems, we compare this new method with other relevant spike-train learning algorithms. The results show that the speed of learning is much improved and the rate of successful learning is also greatly improved.