Networked synchronization control of coupled dynamic networks with time-varying delay

Area of Science:

• Control Systems Engineering
• Networked Systems
• Stochastic Systems

Background:

• Coupled dynamic networks (CDNs) face challenges in synchronization due to data packet dropouts and network-induced delays.
• Existing control strategies often do not fully account for the stochastic nature and time-varying characteristics of these network imperfections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the networked synchronization control problem for CDNs considering both data packet dropouts and time-varying delays.
• To develop a robust synchronization controller that can handle Markovian jump parameters and interval time-varying delays.

Main Methods:

• A Markovian jump process was used to model data packet dropouts.
• Network-induced delays were modeled as interval time-varying and dependent on Markovian jump modes.
• A coupled dynamic error system (CDES) with Markovian jump parameters and interval time-varying delays was constructed.
• Stochastic Lyapunov method and Kronecker product technique were employed to derive stability criteria.

Main Results:

• A delay-dependent sufficient criterion for the stochastic stability of the closed-loop CDES was established.
• The derived criterion guarantees stochastic synchronization of the CDNs.
• The effectiveness of the proposed synchronization control method was demonstrated through a simulation example.

Conclusions:

• The proposed method provides an effective approach for networked synchronization control of CDNs with complex network-induced uncertainties.
• The findings contribute to the robust control of distributed systems operating over unreliable networks.