A novel approach to synchronization of nonlinearly coupled network systems with delays

In this investigation, a novel approach to establishing the global synchronization of coupled network systems is presented. Under this approach, individual subsystems can be non-autonomous, and the coupling configuration is rather general. The coupling terms can be non-diffusive, nonlinear, time-dependent, asymmetric, and with time delays. With an iteration scheme, the problem of synchronization is transformed into solving a corresponding linear system of algebraic equations. Subsequently, delay-dependent and delay-independent criteria for global synchronization can be established. We implement the present approach to analyze synchronization of the FitzHugh-Nagumo systems under delayed and nonlinear sigmoidal coupling. Two examples are presented to demonstrate new dynamical scenarios, where oscillatory behavior and multistability emerge or are suppressed as the coupled neurons synchronize under the synchronization criterion. In addition, asynchrony induced by the coupling strength or coupling delay occurs while the synchronization criterion is violated.