LQR-based coupling gain for synchronization of linear systems

Synchronization control of coupled continuous-time linear systems is studied. For identical systems that are stabilizable, a linear feedback law obtained via algebraic Riccati equation is shown to synchronize any fixed directed network of any number of coupled systems provided that the coupling is strong enough. The strength of coupling is determined by the smallest distance of a nonzero eigenvalue of the coupling matrix to the imaginary axis. A dual problem where detectable systems that are coupled via their outputs is also considered and solved.