A parallel neural network training algorithm for control of discrete dynamical systems.

In this work we present a parallel neural network controller training code, that uses MPI, a portable message passing environment. A comprehensive performance analysis is reported which compares results of a performance model with actual measurements. The analysis is made for three different load assignment schemes: block distribution, strip mining and a sliding average bin packing (best-fit) algorithm. Such analysis is crucial since optimal load balance can not be achieved because the work load information is not available a priori. The speedup results obtained with the above schemes are compared with those corresponding to the bin packing load balance scheme with perfect load prediction based on a priori knowledge of the computing effort. Two multiprocessor platforms: a SGI/Cray Origin 2000 and a IBM SP have been utilized for this study. It is shown that for the best load balance scheme a parallel efficiency of over 50% for the entire computation is achieved by 17 processors of either parallel computers