On Functional Approximation with Normalized Gaussian Units

Feedforward neural networks with a single hidden layer using normalized gaussian units are studied. It is proved that such neural networks are capable of universal approximation in a satisfactory sense. Then, a hybrid learning rule as per Moody and Darken that combines unsupervised learning of hidden units and supervised learning of output units is considered. By using the method of ordinary differential equations for adaptive algorithms (ODE method) it is shown that the asymptotic properties of the learning rule may be studied in terms of an autonomous cascade of dynamical systems. Some recent results from Hirsch about cascades are used to show the asymptotic stability of the learning rule.