The mean-field theory of a Q-state neural network model

The mean-field equations of a Q-state clock neural network model are derived in the replica-symmetric approximation using the replica method. These equations are studied for the cases Q=2, 3, 4 and Q to infinity . It is shown that an infinite number of patterns can be stored in the network even in the limit Q to infinity . The phase diagram and storage capacity of the network are calculated and the information content considered. Although the overlap achieved with a nominated pattern is shown to decrease as Q increases, the information stored in the network is shown to increase.