Circuit Implementation of Variable-Order Scaling Fractal-Ladder Fractor with High Resolution

Extensive research has been conducted on the scaling fractal fractor using various structures. The development of high-resolution emulator circuits to achieve a variable-order scaling fractal fractor with high resolution is a major area of interest. We present a scaling fractal-ladder circuit for achieving high-resolution variable-order fractor based on scaling expansion theory using a high-resolution multiplying digital-to-analog converter (HMDAC). Firstly, the circuit configuration of variable-order scaling fractal-ladder fractor (VSFF) is designed. A theoretical demonstration proves that VSFF exhibits the operational characteristics of variable-order fractional calculus. Secondly, a programmable resistor–capacitor series circuit and universal electronic component emulators are developed based on the HMDAC to adjust the resistance and capacitance in the circuit configuration. Lastly, the model, component parameters, approximation performance, and variable-order characteristics are analyzed, and the circuit is physically implemented. The experimental results demonstrate that the circuit exhibits variable-order characteristics, with an operational order ranging from −0.7 to −0.3 and an operational frequency ranging from 7.72Hz to 4.82kHz. The peak value of the input signal is 10V. This study also proposes a novel method for variable-order fractional calculus based on circuit theory. This study was the first attempt to implement feasible high-resolution continuous variable-order fractional calculus hardware based on VSFF.