A disturbance-observer-based Sliding Mode Control for the robust synchronization of uncertain delayed chaotic systems: application to data security

This article proposes a disturbance observer-based Sliding Mode Control (SMC) approach for the robust synchronization of uncertain delayed chaotic systems. This is done by, first, examining and analyzing the electronic behavior of the master and slave Sprott chaotic systems. Then, synthesizing a robust sliding mode control technique using a newly proposed sliding surface that encompasses the synchronization error between the master and slave. The external disturbances affecting the system were estimated using a disturbance observer. The proof of the semi-globally bounded synchronization between the master and slave was established using the Lyapunov stability theory. The efficiency of the proposed approach was first assessed using a simulation study, then, experimentally validated on a data security system. The obtained results confirmed the robust synchronization properties of the proposed approach in the presence of time-delays and external disturbances. The experimental validation also confirmed its ability to ensure the secure transfer of data.