Exponential synchronization of networked systems under asynchronous sampled-data coupling

This paper presents a novel approach towards synchronization analysis of nonlinear networked systems, directionally coupled via a generic network topology, under asynchronous, aperiodic sampled- data linear coupling. The synchronization dynamics of the networked system is remodelled as a feedback-interconnection of an operator that captures the continuous-time synchronization dynamics, i.e., in the absence of sampled data transmission, and an operator that accounts for these communication constraints. By studying the properties of this feedback-interconnection in the framework of dissipativity theory, we provide a novel criterion that guarantees exponential synchronization. The provided criterion also aids in deciding the trade-off between bounds on time-varying, uncertain sampling intervals, the coupling gain, and the desired transient rate of synchronization, while taking into account the network topology. The theoretical results are illustrated using a networked FitzHugh-Nagumo neuron system. (c) 2025 Elsevier Ltd. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.