Some properties of transmission lines composed of random networks

This paper discusses some properties of a nerve-axon-like transmission line made up from random networks of threshold elements. A random network contains a large number of threshold elements of which the threshold values are Gaussian random variables, and it can act as a monostable or a bistable multivibrator. The signal wave propagation in a transmission line is analyzed by a statistical method. The results show that a signal wave can propagate along the line and that its waveform is shaped, during propagation, into a specific form peculiar to the line. A self-oscillatory system that consists of two random networks is also analyzed. Even in this simple system, various modes of oscillation can exist, with periods varying over a wide range according to the values of system parameters. Examples of self-oscillations obtained by a graphical method are presented, and also some results of computer experiments are shown.