Synchronization control of complex dynamical networks with piecewise constant arguments

The pinning synchronization problem is investigated for complex dynamical networks with hybrid coupling via impulsive control. Based on the Lyapunov stability theory, some novel synchronization criteria are derived and an impulsive pinning control law is proposed. By introducing a differential inequality for systems with piecewise constant arguments, it is not necessary to establish any relationship between the norms of the error states with or without piecewise constant arguments. Typical numerical examples are utilized to illustrate the validity and improvements as regards conservativeness of the theoretical results.