Exponential synchronization of semi-Markovian coupled neural networks with mixed delays via tracker information and quantized output controller.

In this paper, exponential synchronization of semi-Markovian coupled neural networks (NNs) with bounded time-varying delay and infinite-time distributed delay (mixed delays) is investigated. Since semi-Markov switching occurs by time-varying probability, it is difficult to capture its precise switching signal. To overcome this difficulty, a tracker is used to track the switching information with some accuracy. Then a quantized output controller (QOC) is designed by using the tracked information. Novel Lyapunov-Krasovskii functionals (LKFs) with negative terms and delay-partitioning approach, which reduce the conservativeness of the obtained results, are utilized to obtain LMI conditions ensuring the exponential synchronization. Moreover, an algorithm is proposed to design the control gains. Our results include both those derived by mode-dependent and mode-independent control schemes as special cases. Finally, numerical simulations validate the effectiveness of the methodology.