A didactic electronic set-up for introducing to complex networks of chaotic oscillators

The paper describes a portable didactic experiment, realizing a complex network of Chua's circuits, along with its use for introducing collective dynamics in networks of nonlinear oscillators to students. The equipment enables the full configurability of the node's parameters and the network structure (topology and link impedances). An 8 nodes portable version is realized as a demonstrator, however the corresponding laboratory experiment is designed to be easily scalable to a high number of nodes. The network's control and the data acquisition are automated thanks to a USB interface board and a LabVIEW control interface. The experiment allows the student to perform some direct real time analysis of a set of networked (coupled) Chua's circuits, with the goal to give immediate impact to the discovery of collective behaviors. In particular, the proposed experiences range from the characterization of the complex dynamics of the isolated nodes to the complete synchronization, as well as the emergence of clustering and waves. It is adopted within some course on Advanced Circuit Theory at the Master Degree level.