Preassigned-time projective synchronization of delayed fully quaternion-valued discontinuous neural networks with parameter uncertainties.

This paper concerns with the preassigned-time projective synchronization issue for delayed fully quaternion-valued discontinuous neural networks involving parameter uncertainties through the non-separation method. Above all, based on the existing works, a new preassigned-time stability theorem is established. Subsequently, to realize the control goals, two types of novel and simple chattering-free quaternion controllers are designed, one without the power-law term and the other with a hyperbolic-tangent function. They are different from the existing common power-law controller and exponential controller. Thirdly, under the Filippov discontinuity theories and with the aid of quaternion inequality techniques, some novel succinct sufficient criteria are obtained to ensure the addressed systems to achieve the preassigned-time synchronization by using the preassigned-time stability theory. The preassigned settling time is free from any parameter and any initial value of the system, and can be preset according to the actual task demands. Particularly, unlike the existing results, the proposed control methods can effectively avoid the chattering phenomenon, and the time delay part is removed for simplicity. Additionally, the projection coefficient is generic quaternion-valued instead of real-valued or complex-valued, and some of the previous relevant results are extended. Lastly, numerical simulations are reported to substantiate the effectiveness of the control strategies, the merits of preassigned settling time, and the correctness of the acquired results.