Open Access

Cyclic Signal-Initiated Coordination in Probabilistic Decentralized Systems Subject to Varying Network Configurations

4 Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering University of Lagos Lagos, Nigeria
4 Department of Computer Science Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria

Abstract

The coordination of decentralized multi-agent systems (MAS) operating under stochastic dynamics and time-varying network structures has become a critical challenge in modern control theory. This paper investigates a cyclic signal-initiated coordination framework for probabilistic decentralized systems subject to varying network configurations. The proposed approach integrates periodic event-triggered mechanisms with stochastic stability theory to ensure robust consensus and coordination in the presence of communication delays, packet losses, and structural topology variations. Unlike conventional continuous communication strategies, the cyclic signal-driven mechanism reduces communication burden by initiating information exchange only at discrete intervals determined by system states and probabilistic thresholds.

The framework incorporates adaptive control laws and stochastic modeling to capture uncertainties arising from environmental disturbances and network-induced imperfections. A unified theoretical model based on Markovian switching systems is developed to represent varying communication topologies, while Lyapunov-based methods are employed to establish mean-square stability and convergence properties. Furthermore, the proposed strategy addresses the limitations of asynchronous triggering and communication noise by integrating predictive estimation and state-dependent triggering conditions.

Comparative analysis demonstrates that the proposed method outperforms existing event-triggered and time-triggered coordination strategies in terms of communication efficiency, robustness, and convergence speed. Simulation-based evaluations indicate that the system maintains stable coordination under dynamic topology switching and stochastic disturbances, achieving significant reductions in communication overhead without compromising performance.

This study contributes to the advancement of decentralized control by providing a comprehensive framework that bridges cyclic signal-driven coordination with probabilistic system modeling. The results have significant implications for applications in autonomous systems, distributed robotics, and networked cyber-physical infrastructures, where efficient and resilient coordination is essential.

Keywords

References

📄 L Cheng, Y P Wang, W Ren, et al. On Convergence Rate of Leader-Following Consensus of Linear Multi-agent Systems with Communication Noises [J]. IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control, 2016, 61 ( 11 ): 3586–3592.
📄 S H Crandall, W D Mark. Random Vibration in Mechanical Systems [M]. USA : Academic Press, 2014.
📄 M Y Cui, Z J Wu, X J Xie, et al. Modeling and Adaptive Tracking for a Class of Stochastic Lagrangian Control Systems [J]. Automatica, 2013, 49 ( 3 ): 770–779.
📄 M D Fragoso, O L V Costa. A Unified Approach for Mean Square Stability of Continuous-Time Markovian Jumping Linear Systems with Additive Disturbances [C] // Proceedings of the 39th IEEE Conference on Decision and Control. Sydney, NSW, Australia : IEEE 2000 : 2361–2366.
📄 E Garcia, Y C Cao, D W Casbeer. Periodic Event-Triggered Synchronization of Linear Multi-agent Systems with Communication Delays [J]. IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control, 2017, 62 ( 1 ): 366–371.
📄 C Nowzari, E Garcia, J Cortes. Event-Triggered Communication and Control of Networked Systems for Multi-agent Consensus [J]. Automatica, 2019, 105 : 1–27.
📄 W P M H Heemels, M C F Donkers, A R Teel. Periodic Event-Triggered Control for Linear Systems [J]. IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control, 2013, 58 ( 4 ): 847–861.
📄 Y G Hong, J P Hu, L X Gao. Tracking Control for Multi-agent Consensus with an Active Leader and Variable Topology [J]. Automatica (Journal of IFAC), 2006, 42 ( 7 ): 1177–1182.
📄 G Hu, L Pivka, A L Zheleznyak. Synchronization of a One-Dimensional Array of Chua's Circuits by Feedback Control and Noise [J]. IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems I: Fundamental Theory and Applications, 1995, 42 ( 10 ): 736–740.
📄 B Q Li, S P Wen, Z Yan, et al. A Survey on the Control Lyapunov Function and Control Barrier Function for Nonlinear-Affine Control Systems [J]. IEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica, 2023, 10 ( 3 ): 584–602.
📄 B Q Li, G G Wen, Z X Peng, et al. Time-Varying Formation Control of General Linear Multi-agent Systems Under Markovian Switching Topologies and Communication Noises [J]. IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems II: Express Briefs, 2021, 68 ( 4 ): 1303–1307.
📄 B Q Li, G G Wen, Z X Peng, et al. Fully Distributed Consensus Tracking of Stochastic Nonlinear Multiagent Systems with Markovian Switching Topologies Via Intermittent Control [J]. IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics: Systems, 2022, 52 ( 5 ): 3200–3209.
📄 X W Liang, H S Wang, Y H Liu, et al. Formation Control of Nonholonomic Mobile Robots Without Position and Velocity Measurements [J]. IEEE Transactions on Robotics, 2018, 34 ( 2 ): 434–446.
📄 M Meng, L Liu, G Feng. Adaptive Output Regulation of Heterogeneous Multiagent Systems Under Markovian Switching Topologies [J]. IEEE Transactions on Cybernetics, 2018, 48 ( 10 ): 2962–2971.
📄 X Y Meng, L H Xie, Y C Soh. Asynchronous Periodic Event-Triggered Consensus for Multi-agent Systems [J]. Automatica (Journal of IFAC), 2017, 84 ( C ): 214–220.
📄 J K Ni, P Shi, Y Zhao, et al. Fixed-Time Event-Triggered Output Consensus Tracking of High-Order Multiagent Systems Under Directed Interaction Graphs [J]. IEEE Transactions on Cybernetics, 2022, 52 ( 7 ): 6391–6405.
📄 J Seo, Y Kim, S Kim, et al. Collision Avoidance Strategies for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Formation Flight [J]. IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems, 2017, 53 ( 6 ): 2718–2734.
📄 C J Xu, W Zeng, C Liu, et al. Event-Triggered Semi-Global Output Consensus of Discrete-Time Multi-agent Systems with Input Saturation and External Disturbances, IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems II: Express Briefs, 2023, 70 ( 12 ): 4469–4473.
📄 F Wang, G G Wen, Z X Peng, et al. Event-Triggered Consensus of General Linear Multiagent Systems with Data Sampling and Random Packet Losses [J]. IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics: Systems, 2021, 51 ( 2 ): 1313–1321.
📄 W Wang, R Postoyan, D Nešić, et al. Periodic Event-Triggered Control for Nonlinear Networked Control Systems [J]. IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control, 2020, 65 ( 2 ): 620–635.
📄 S B Wang, Y T Cao, Z Y Guo, et al. Periodic Event-Triggered Synchronization of Multiple Memristive Neural Networks with Switching Topologies and Parameter Mismatch [J]. IEEE Transactions on Cybernetics, 2021, 51 ( 1 ): 427–437.
📄 G H Wen, X H Yu, W W Yu, et al. Coordination and Control of Complex Network Systems with Switching Topologies: A Survey [J]. IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics: Systems, 2021, 51 ( 10 ): 6342–6357.
📄 H G Zhang, Y Y Cai, Y C Wang, et al. Adaptive Bipartite Event-Triggered Output Consensus of Heterogeneous Linear Multiagent Systems Under Fixed and Switching Topologies [J]. IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks and Learning Systems, 2020, 31 ( 11 ): 4816–4830.
📄 Y L Zhang, G G Wen, A Rahmani, et al. Aperiodically Intermittent Adaptive Event-Triggered Control for Linear Multi-agent Systems [J]. International Journal of Control, Automation and Systems, 2023, 21 ( 1 ): 94–108.

Similar Articles

1-10 of 43

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.