Artificial Neural Network trained by Particle Swarm Optimization for non-linear channel equalization

In this paper, we apply Artificial Neural Network (ANN) trained with Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) for the problem of channel equalization. Existing applications of PSO to Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) training have only been used to find optimal weights of the network. Novelty in this paper is that it also takes care of appropriate network topology and transfer functions of the neuron. The PSO algorithm optimizes all the variables, and hence network weights and network parameters. Hence, this paper makes use of PSO to optimize the number of layers, input and hidden neurons, the type of transfer functions etc. This paper focuses on optimizing the weights, transfer function, and topology of an ANN constructed for channel equalization. Extensive simulations presented in this paper shows that, as compared to other ANN based equalizers as well as Neuro-fuzzy equalizers, the proposed equalizer performs better in all noise conditions. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.