Information transmission in parallel threshold arrays: suprathreshold stochastic resonance

Area of Science:

• Information Theory
• Nonlinear Dynamics
• Statistical Physics

Background:

• The study investigates information transmission in parallel arrays of noisy threshold elements.
• It focuses on a phenomenon known as suprathreshold stochastic resonance (SSR), previously reported by Stocks (2000).

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a detailed theoretical and numerical analysis of suprathreshold stochastic resonance (SSR).
• To explore the conditions under which SSR occurs and its implications for information transmission in noisy arrays.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical analysis of information transmission through parallel summing arrays of noisy threshold elements.
• Numerical analysis and digital simulations to validate theoretical predictions.
• Investigation of SSR in arrays with varying numbers of elements and threshold settings.

Main Results:

• Suprathreshold stochastic resonance (SSR) is observed in arrays with two or more elements.
• SSR leads to noise-induced information gains that are independent of threshold settings and signal size.
• Maximum information transmission occurs when thresholds align with the signal mean, approaching half the noiseless channel capacity for large arrays.

Conclusions:

• Suprathreshold stochastic resonance (SSR) offers a mechanism for enhancing information transmission in noisy parallel arrays.
• The findings demonstrate the potential of noise to improve system performance in specific configurations, particularly in large arrays.
• The theoretical framework is supported by digital simulations, confirming the validity of the SSR analysis.