A Continuous-Time Recurrent Neural Network for Joint Equalization and Decoding – Analog Hardware Implementation Aspects

Equalization and channel decoding are “traditionally” two cascade processes at the receiver side of a digital transmission. They aim to achieve a reliable and efficient transmission. For high data rates, the energy consumption of their corresponding algorithms is expected to become a limiting factor. For mobile devices with limited battery’s size, the energy consumption, mirrored in the lifetime of the battery, becomes even more crucial. Therefore, an energy-efficient implementation of equalization and decoding algorithms is desirable. The prevailing way is by increasing the energy efficiency of the underlying digital circuits. However, we address here promising alternatives offered by mixed (analog/digital) circuits. We are concerned with modeling joint equalization and decoding as a whole in a continuous-time framework. In doing so, continuous-time recurrent neural networks play an essential role because of their nonlinear characteristic and special suitability for analog very-large-scale integration (VLSI). Based on the proposed model, we show that the superiority of joint equalization and decoding (a well-known fact from the discrete-time case) preserves in analog. Additionally, analog circuit design related aspects such as adaptivity, connectivity and accuracy are discussed and linked to theoretical aspects of recurrent neural networks such as Lyapunov stability and simulated annealing

Stability in N-Layer recurrent neural networks

Starting with the theory developed by Hopfield, Cohen-Grossberg and Kosko, the study of associative memories is extended to N - layer re-current neural networks. The stability of different multilayer networks is demonstrated under specified bounding hypotheses. The analysis involves theorems for the additive as well as the multiplicative models for continuous and discrete N - layer networks. These demonstrations are based on contin-uous and discrete Liapunov theory. The thesis develops autoassociative and heteroassociative memories. It points out the link between all recurrent net-works of this type. The discrete case is analyzed using the threshold signal function as the activation function. A general approach for studying the sta-bility and convergence of the multilayer recurrent networks is developed

Stability analysis for delayed quaternion-valued neural networks via nonlinear measure approach

In this paper, the existence and stability analysis of the quaternion-valued neural networks (QVNNs) with time delay are considered. Firstly, the QVNNs are equivalently transformed into four real-valued systems. Then, based on the Lyapunov theory, nonlinear measure approach, and inequality technique, some sufficient criteria are derived to ensure the existence and uniqueness of the equilibrium point as well as global stability of delayed QVNNs. In addition, the provided criteria are presented in the form of linear matrix inequality (LMI), which can be easily checked by LMI toolbox in MATLAB. Finally, two simulation examples are demonstrated to verify the effectiveness of obtained results. Moreover, the less conservatism of the obtained results is also showed by two comparison examples

Active disturbance cancellation in nonlinear dynamical systems using neural networks

A proposal for the use of a time delay CMAC neural network for disturbance cancellation in nonlinear dynamical systems is presented. Appropriate modifications to the CMAC training algorithm are derived which allow convergent adaptation for a variety of secondary signal paths. Analytical bounds on the maximum learning gain are presented which guarantee convergence of the algorithm and provide insight into the necessary reduction in learning gain as a function of the system parameters. Effectiveness of the algorithm is evaluated through mathematical analysis, simulation studies, and experimental application of the technique on an acoustic duct laboratory model

Advances in Reinforcement Learning

Reinforcement Learning (RL) is a very dynamic area in terms of theory and application. This book brings together many different aspects of the current research on several fields associated to RL which has been growing rapidly, producing a wide variety of learning algorithms for different applications. Based on 24 Chapters, it covers a very broad variety of topics in RL and their application in autonomous systems. A set of chapters in this book provide a general overview of RL while other chapters focus mostly on the applications of RL paradigms: Game Theory, Multi-Agent Theory, Robotic, Networking Technologies, Vehicular Navigation, Medicine and Industrial Logistic