Network
Networks are built by creating neurons and connecting them with synapses. They are run by pressing the "play" or "step" button (see the quick reference). For a sense of what the colors, circles, etc. signify see the discussion of visual conventions.
There are a variety of different neurons and synapses, each with their own rules and parameters. By combining these together you can create indefinitely many different kinds of networks. There are also special types of networks called "subnetworks" which can be added to a simulation. Different subnetworks can be linked together, leading to even more complex and powerful simulations.
There are also connection objects, layout objects, model groups and other functions which can be used to build neural networks.
Shown below is a simple neural network. The colored circles with numbers in the middle represent simplified neurons or "nodes." The lines between nodes represent synaptic connections between neurons which direct the flow of activity in the network. The smaller blue and red discs at the ends of these lines represent synaptic connections.
When Simbrain is first opened nothing happens. A sample network sits passively before the user. When the user "runs" the network it comes to life--an update algorithm is repeatedly called, which is visible in the form of spreading activity in network's nodes and (if learning is activated) changing weight sizes. The network can be run by pressing pressing the play button
in the tool-bar to repeatedly iterate the network. Note that the image on the button becomes that of a "stop" button
. Pressing this button will stop the network. Thus the play/stop button acts as a toggle switch. You can also press the step button
(or press "space") to iterate the network a single time. Sometimes repeatedly hitting the space bar is useful way to test a network.