Synchronization of Multiple Reaction–Diffusion Neural Networks With Heterogeneous and Unbounded Time-Varying Delays

The synchronization problem of multiple/coupled reaction-diffusion neural networks with time-varying delays is investigated. Differing from the existing considerations, state delays among distinct neurons and coupling delays among different subnetworks are included in the proposed model, the assumptions posed on the arisen delays are very weak, timevarying, heterogeneous, even unbounded delays are permitted. To overcome the difficulties from this kind of delay as well as diffusion effects, a comparison-based approach is applied to this model and a series of algebraic criteria are successfully obtained to verify the global asymptotical synchronization. By specifying the existing delays, some M-matrix-based criteria are derived to justify the power-rate synchronization and exponential synchronization. In addition, new criterion on synchronization of general connected neural networks without diffusion effects is also given. Finally, two simulation examples are given to verify the effectiveness of the obtained theoretical results and provide a comparison with the existing criterion.