Minimal Chaotic Networks of Linear Neuron-Like Elements with Single Rectification: Three Prototypes

Chaotic oscillations induced by single rectification in networks of linear neuron-like elements are examined on three prototype models: one nonautonomous system and two autonomous systems. The first is a system of coupled neurons with periodic input; the second is a system of three coupled neurons with six couplings; the third is a ring of four unidirectionally coupled neurons with one reverse coupling. In each system, the output function of one neuron is ramp and that of the others is linear. Each system is piecewise linear and the phase space is separated into two domains by a single border. Steady states, periodic solutions and homoclinic orbits are derived rigorously and their stability is evaluated with the eigenvalues of the Jacobian matrices. The bifurcation analysis of the three systems shows that chaotic attractors could be generated through cascades of period-doubling bifurcations of periodic solutions.