Random Spiking Neural Networks are Stable and Spectrally Simple
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Abstract (arXiv)
Spiking neural networks (SNNs) are a promising paradigm for energy-efficient computation, yet their theoretical foundations-especially regarding stability and robustness-remain limited compared to artificial neural networks. In this work, we study discrete-time leaky integrate-and-fire (LIF) SNNs through the lens of Boolean function analysis. We focus on noise sensitivity and stability in classification tasks, quantifying how input perturbations affect outputs. Our main result shows that wide LIF-SNN classifiers are stable on average, a property explained by the concentration of their Fourier spectrum on low-frequency components. Motivated by this, we introduce the notion of spectral simplicity, which formalizes simplicity in terms of Fourier spectrum concentration and connects our analysis to the simplicity bias observed in deep networks. Within this framework, we show that random LIF-SNNs are biased toward simple functions. Experiments on trained networks confirm that these stability properties persist in practice. Together, these results provide new insights into the stability and robustness properties of SNNs.
Key facts. Cited by 1 paper in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026). Builds on 14 of its 25 references that are in the map. First posted on arXiv 2 Nov 2025.
Builds on
14 of 25 references.
References · 14
- 2017A Closer Look at Memorization in Deep Networkscited by 942
- 2020The Pitfalls of Simplicity Bias in Neural Networkscited by 351
- 2021Training Spiking Neural Networks Using Lessons From Deep Learningcited by 259
- 2019SGD on Neural Networks Learns Functions of Increasing Complexitycited by 204
- 2018Deep learning generalizes because the parameter-function map is biased towards simple functionscited by 183
- 2021Efficient Neuromorphic Signal Processing with Loihi 2cited by 96
- 2021Stable Neural ODE with Lyapunov-Stable Equilibrium Points for Defending Against Adversarial Attackscited by 91
- 2015Memory and information processing in neuromorphic systemscited by 48
- 2022LyaNet: A Lyapunov Framework for Training Neural ODEscited by 44
- 2024SpiNNaker2: A Large-Scale Neuromorphic System for Event-Based and Asynchronous Machine Learningcited by 25
- 2019Robust Design of Deep Neural Networks against Adversarial Attacks based on Lyapunov Theorycited by 13
- 2024Roadmap to Neuromorphic Computing with Emerging Technologiescited by 12
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Citing papers per year: 2026: 1.
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