Connecting Analog and Discrete Nonlinear Systems for Noise Generation

Abstract Nonlinear systems exhibit complex dynamic behaviour, including quasi-periodic and chaotic. The present contribution presents a composed analogue and discrete-time structure, based on second-order nonlinear building blocks with periodic oscillatory behaviour, that can be used for complex signal generation. The chosen feedback connection of the two modules aims at obtaining a more complex nonlinear dynamic behaviour than that of the building blocks. Performing a parameter scan, it is highlighted that the resulting nonlinear system has a quasi-periodic behaviour for large ranges of parameter values. The nonlinear system attractor projections are obtained by simulation and statistical numerical results are presented, both confirming the possible use of the designed system as a noise generator.