An error-propagation spiking neural network compatible with neuromorphic processors

• Main Authors: Cartiglia, Matteo, Haessig, Germain, Indiveri, Giacomo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 12.04.2021
• Subjects: Computer Science - Neural and Evolutionary Computing
• DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2104.05241

Spiking neural networks have shown great promise for the design of low-power sensory-processing and edge-computing hardware platforms. However, implementing on-chip learning algorithms on such architectures is still an open challenge, especially for multi-layer networks that rely on the back-propagation algorithm. In this paper, we present a spike-based learning method that approximates back-propagation using local weight update mechanisms and which is compatible with mixed-signal analog/digital neuromorphic circuits. We introduce a network architecture that enables synaptic weight update mechanisms to back-propagate error signals across layers and present a network that can be trained to distinguish between two spike-based patterns that have identical mean firing rates, but different spike-timings. This work represents a first step towards the design of ultra-low power mixed-signal neuromorphic processing systems with on-chip learning circuits that can be trained to recognize different spatio-temporal patterns of spiking activity (e.g. produced by event-based vision or auditory sensors).