Prespecified-Time Cluster Synchronization of Complex Networks via a Smooth Control Approach.

Most existing finite-/fixed-time synchronization control schemes are nonsmooth or discontinuous, and the settling time is estimated with conservatism. It is due to the utilization of signum function or fraction power state feedback. This brief considers the problem of prespecified-time cluster synchronization of complex networks with a smooth control protocol. The synchronization time is independent of any control parameters or any systems' initial conditions, which is actually uniformly prescribed according to task requirements without any estimations. Moreover, the cluster synchronization can maintain after the specified time, and the smooth control input can always keep uniformly bounded in an infinite time interval as well. Finally, one numerical example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed protocol and design method.