Improved neural networks for analog-to-digital conversion

Abstract

In this paper we study the problem of designing a neural network that gives the correct binary representation of a given real number. Previously this problem has been studied by Tank and Hopfield. The network proposed by them exhibits "hysteresis" in the sense that the current vector of the network sometimes converges towards a binary vector that isnot the correct binary representation of the input current. The reason for this is that the network proposed by them has multiple asymptotically stable equilibria. In the present paper, we propose another neural network which has the property that it hasa single, globally attractive equilibrium for almost all values of the input current. Hence, irrespective of the initial conditions of the network, the current vector converges towards the correct binary representation of the input current.