A state-observer-based approach for synchronization in complex dynamical networks

In this paper, a new approach for synchronization of complex dynamical networks is proposed based on state observer design. Unlike the common diagonally coupling networks, where full state coupling is typically needed between two nodes, here it is suggested that only a scalar coupling signal is required to achieve network synchronization. Some conditions for synchronization, in the form of an inequality, are established based on the Lyapunov stability theory, which can be transformed to a linear matrix inequality and easily solved by a numerical toolbox. Two typical dynamical network configurations, i.e., global coupling and nearest-neighbor coupling, with each node being a modified Chua's circuit, are simulated. It is demonstrated that the proposed scheme is effective in achieving the expected chaos synchronization in the complex network. © 2006 IEEE.