# Impact of Neuron Models on Spiking Neural Networks performance. A Complexity Based Classification Approach

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2509.06970 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2509.06970/

## Key facts

- No citing papers in the map yet (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 6 of its 43 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 24 Aug 2025.

## Builds on (most cited first, 6 of 6)

- [Spatio-Temporal Backpropagation for Training High-performance Spiking Neural Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1706.02609/) (2017)
- [Integer-Valued Training and Spike-Driven Inference Spiking Neural Network for High-performance and Energy-efficient Object Detection](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2407.20708/) (2024)
- [Bio-inspired Unsupervised Learning of Visual Features Leads to Robust Invariant Object Recognition](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1504.03871/) (2015)
- [Meta-neural-network for Realtime and Passive Deep-learning-based Object Recognition](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1909.07122/) (2019)
- [Temporal code versus rate code for binary Information Sources](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1603.02798/) (2016)
- [Models Developed for Spiking Neural Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2212.04377/) (2022)

## Abstract (arXiv)

This study explores how the selection of neuron models and learning rules impacts the classification performance of Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs), with a focus on applications in bio-signal processing. We compare biologically inspired neuron models, including Leaky Integrate-and-Fire (LIF), metaneurons, and probabilistic Levy-Baxter (LB) neurons, across multiple learning rules, including spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP), tempotron, and reward-modulated updates. A novel element of this work is the integration of a complexity-based decision mechanism into the evaluation pipeline. Using Lempel-Ziv Complexity (LZC), a measure related to entropy rate, we quantify the structural regularity of spike trains and assess classification outcomes in a consistent and interpretable manner across different SNN configurations. To investigate neural dynamics and assess algorithm performance, we employed synthetic datasets with varying temporal dependencies and stochasticity levels. These included Markov and Poisson processes, well-established models to simulate neuronal spike trains and capture the stochastic firing behavior of biological neurons.Validation of synthetic Poisson and Markov-modeled data reveals clear performance trends: classification accuracy depends on the interaction between neuron model, network size, and learning rule, with the LZC-based evaluation highlighting configurations that remain robust to weak or noisy signals. This work delivers a systematic analysis of how neuron model selection interacts with network parameters and learning strategies, supported by a novel complexity-based evaluation approach that offers a consistent benchmark for SNN performance.