Output Synchronization of Dynamical Networks with Incrementally-Dissipative Nodes and Switching Topology

This paper studies asymptotic output synchronization for a class of dynamical networks with identical nonlinear nodes and switching topology. The node dynamics are characterized by a quadratic form of incremental-dissipativity. The output synchronization problem of the switched network is first converted into the set stability problem for the interconnected nonlinear system with a particular selection of input-output pair, which preserves dissipativity. Then, synchronization under arbitrary switching among self-synchronizing subnetworks and synchronization by design of switching among subnetworks, where none of them is necessarily self-synchronizing, are investigated by using the common Lyapunov function method and the single Lyapunov function method, respectively. Algebraic synchronization criteria for both cases are established, and the obtained results are applied to the investigation of coupled biochemical oscillators and coupled Chua's circuits.