Date of Award

12-1990

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

Department

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

First Advisor

Steven K. Rogers, PhD

Abstract

This thesis investigates gradient descent learning algorithms for multi-layer feed forward neural networks. A technique is developed which uses error prediction to reduce the number of weights/nodes in a network. The research begins by studying the first and second order back-prop training algorithms along with their convergence properties. A network is reduced by making an estimate of the amount of error which would occur when a weight(s) is removed. This error estimate is then used to determine if a particular weight is essential to the operation of the network. If not, it is removed and the network retrained. The process is repeated until the network is reduced to the desired size, or the error becomes unacceptable.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GE-ENG-90D-24

DTIC Accession Number

ADA230755

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