Training Spiking Neural Networks Using Lessons From Deep Learning

TL;DR

This paper reviews how deep learning principles can be adapted to train biologically plausible spiking neural networks, discussing challenges, solutions, and potential for online learning inspired by neuroscience.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive tutorial and perspective on applying deep learning techniques to spiking neural networks, including novel insights on gradient-based learning and spike timing.

Findings

Explores the relationship between temporal backpropagation and spike timing dependent plasticity.

Discusses solutions for applying gradient descent to SNNs.

Provides practical tutorials using the snnTorch package.

Abstract

The brain is the perfect place to look for inspiration to develop more efficient neural networks. The inner workings of our synapses and neurons provide a glimpse at what the future of deep learning might look like. This paper serves as a tutorial and perspective showing how to apply the lessons learnt from several decades of research in deep learning, gradient descent, backpropagation and neuroscience to biologically plausible spiking neural neural networks. We also explore the delicate interplay between encoding data as spikes and the learning process; the challenges and solutions of applying gradient-based learning to spiking neural networks (SNNs); the subtle link between temporal backpropagation and spike timing dependent plasticity, and how deep learning might move towards biologically plausible online learning. Some ideas are well accepted and commonly used amongst the neuromorphic engineering community, while others are presented or justified for the first time here. The fields of deep learning and spiking neural networks evolve very rapidly. We endeavour to treat this document as a 'dynamic' manuscript that will continue to be updated as the common practices in training SNNs also change. A series of companion interactive tutorials complementary to this paper using our Python package, snnTorch, are also made available. See https://snntorch.readthedocs.io/en/latest/tutorials/index.html .