A Full Synapse takes its input and multiplies it by a matrix. If a delay is specified, the output is delayed by that many time steps. Using the Straight synapse to connect two Axons is exactly the same as making a direct connection between them, except it gives the additional option of specifying a delay. This is the backpropagation network. Every Axon and Synapse has a corresponding BackAxon and BackSynapse which attaches to the upper right corner of the corresponding forward component.
Data flows forward from the input to the output through the forward propagation network.
The criterion compares the output with the desired response, and computes the error. The error is then injected into the backpropagation network, and the data flows through this network, back towards the original input. The clocks with one dial are for use with static networks, where the complete forward activation and back-propagation cycle can be completed in the same time step. This includes the Gamma and Laguarre Axons, which are components that have internal feedback loops with an adaptable weight. You also need the dynamic controllers whenever a component with delays is used at any point in the network other than the input layer.