103,758 research outputs found
Metaheuristic design of feedforward neural networks: a review of two decades of research
Over the past two decades, the feedforward neural network (FNN) optimization has been a key interest among the researchers and practitioners of multiple disciplines. The FNN optimization is often viewed from the various perspectives: the optimization of weights, network architecture, activation nodes, learning parameters, learning environment, etc. Researchers adopted such different viewpoints mainly to improve the FNN's generalization ability. The gradient-descent algorithm such as backpropagation has been widely applied to optimize the FNNs. Its success is evident from the FNN's application to numerous real-world problems. However, due to the limitations of the gradient-based optimization methods, the metaheuristic algorithms including the evolutionary algorithms, swarm intelligence, etc., are still being widely explored by the researchers aiming to obtain generalized FNN for a given problem. This article attempts to summarize a broad spectrum of FNN optimization methodologies including conventional and metaheuristic approaches. This article also tries to connect various research directions emerged out of the FNN optimization practices, such as evolving neural network (NN), cooperative coevolution NN, complex-valued NN, deep learning, extreme learning machine, quantum NN, etc. Additionally, it provides interesting research challenges for future research to cope-up with the present information processing era
An On-chip Trainable and Clock-less Spiking Neural Network with 1R Memristive Synapses
Spiking neural networks (SNNs) are being explored in an attempt to mimic
brain's capability to learn and recognize at low power. Crossbar architecture
with highly scalable Resistive RAM or RRAM array serving as synaptic weights
and neuronal drivers in the periphery is an attractive option for SNN.
Recognition (akin to reading the synaptic weight) requires small amplitude bias
applied across the RRAM to minimize conductance change. Learning (akin to
writing or updating the synaptic weight) requires large amplitude bias pulses
to produce a conductance change. The contradictory bias amplitude requirement
to perform reading and writing simultaneously and asynchronously, akin to
biology, is a major challenge. Solutions suggested in the literature rely on
time-division-multiplexing of read and write operations based on clocks, or
approximations ignoring the reading when coincidental with writing. In this
work, we overcome this challenge and present a clock-less approach wherein
reading and writing are performed in different frequency domains. This enables
learning and recognition simultaneously on an SNN. We validate our scheme in
SPICE circuit simulator by translating a two-layered feed-forward Iris
classifying SNN to demonstrate software-equivalent performance. The system
performance is not adversely affected by a voltage dependence of conductance in
realistic RRAMs, despite departing from linearity. Overall, our approach
enables direct implementation of biological SNN algorithms in hardware
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