Stability and Bifurcation Exploration of Delayed Neural Networks With Radial-Ring Configuration and Bidirectional Coupling

For decades, studying the dynamic performances of artificial neural networks (ANNs) is widely considered to be a good way to gain a deeper insight into actual neural networks. However, most models of ANNs are focused on a finite number of neurons and a single topology. These studies are inconsistent with actual neural networks composed of thousands of neurons and sophisticated topologies. There is still a discrepancy between theory and practice. In this article, not only a novel construction of a class of delayed neural networks with radial-ring configuration and bidirectional coupling is proposed, but also an effective analytical approach to dynamic performances of large-scale neural networks with a cluster of topologies is developed. First, Coates’ flow diagram is applied to acquire the characteristic equation of the system, which contains multiple exponential terms. Second, by means of the idea of the holistic element, the sum of the neuron synapse transmission delays is regarded as the bifurcation argument to investigate the stability of the zero equilibrium point and the beingness of Hopf bifurcation. Finally, multiple sets of computerized simulations are utilized to confirm the conclusions. The simulation results expound that the increase in transmission delay may cause a leading impact on the generation of Hopf bifurcation. Meanwhile, the number and the self-feedback coefficient of neurons are also playing significant roles in the appearance of periodic oscillations.