Here, a gradient‐based neural network (GNN) model is constructed for solving the discrete periodic Lyapunov matrix equation (DPLME) associated with discrete‐time linear periodic systems. In practical applications, the recurrent neural network model should not only converge rapidly, but also be able to tolerate noise. However, the influence of noise on GNN models was seldom considered in the past. In order to improve the convergence and robustness of the GNN model, a novel type of non‐linear activation function is applied to the GNN model. Compared with the traditional activation functions, the activation function used here makes the GNN model to achieve fixed‐time convergence. Besides, when disturbed by bounded noise, the unique positive definite solution of the DPLME can still be obtained by using the GNN model. Finally, simulation experiment is performed to verify the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed GNN model.