Micro-chaotic dynamics due to digital sampling in hybrid systems of Filippov type

This paper describes a novel mechanism leading to the sudden onset of chaos that may occur in Filippov type systems when the switching decision is made at discrete times. Such systems can be thought of as models of switched digital control systems. Our findings are explained in detail using a representative planar example. Results are then extended to more general planar switched systems with digital sampling. It is conjectured that this mechanism is also typical of n-dimensional switched systems with digital sampling, and numerical investigations of a third order relay feedback system are presented to support this; the onset of chaos is triggered in the way which is equivalent to that revealed for the planar case. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.