Ma, Zhong, Xu, Kexin, Li, Shen, Wang, Zhongxi
Accepted: 2024-12-18
Unlike artificial neural networks (ANNs), spiking neural networks (SNNs), representing the third generation of neural network technology, perform computations based on the mechanisms of biological neurons. They use sequences of spike signals to transmit information, demonstrating significant advantages in energy consumption and high-speed processing of large-scale data. Currently, converting high-precision ANNs to SNNs is considered one of the most promising methods for generating SNNs. However, mainstream ANN-to-SNN conversion methods have their limitations: firstly, they do not support negative spikes, making it difficult to express negative spikes collected by dynamic vision sensor (DVS) cameras; secondly, it is challenging to achieve both low latency and high precision during the conversion process. To address these issues, this paper proposes a novel spiking neuron capable of globally representing both positive and negative spikes. Additionally, a stepwise Leaky ReLU activation function and a regional convergence testing algorithm are proposed to achieve zero-error conversion from ANN to SNN. With these methods, we achieve globally expressive, high-precision, low-latency, and highly robust ANN-to-SNN conversion. Our approach demonstrates outstanding performance on the CIFAR10 and CIFAR100 datasets.