Dynamics and synchronization in a memristor-coupled discrete heterogeneous neuron network considering noise

Research on discrete memristor-based neural networks has received much attention. However, current research mainly focuses on memristor–based discrete homogeneous neuron networks, while memristor-coupled discrete heterogeneous neuron networks are rarely reported. In this study, a new four-stable discrete locally active memristor is proposed and its nonvolatile and locally active properties are verified by its power-off plot and DC V – I diagram. Based on two-dimensional (2D) discrete Izhikevich neuron and 2D discrete Chialvo neuron, a heterogeneous discrete neuron network is constructed by using the proposed discrete memristor as a coupling synapse connecting the two heterogeneous neurons. Considering the coupling strength as the control parameter, chaotic firing, periodic firing, and hyperchaotic firing patterns are revealed. In particular, multiple coexisting firing patterns are observed, which are induced by different initial values of the memristor. Phase synchronization between the two heterogeneous neurons is discussed and it is found that they can achieve perfect synchronous at large coupling strength. Furthermore, the effect of Gaussian white noise on synchronization behaviors is also explored. We demonstrate that the presence of noise not only leads to the transition of firing patterns, but also achieves the phase synchronization between two heterogeneous neurons under low coupling strength.