Chaos synchronization in a lattice of piecewise linear maps with regular and random couplings

We investigate aspects of the spatio-temporal dynamics exhibited by a one-dimensional lattice of chaotic piecewise linear maps in a coupling prescription which includes both regular (nearest and next-to-nearest neighbors) and randomly chosen couplings. We discuss the conditions for the existence of chaotic synchronized states, and relate them to the coupling parameters. The transition to synchronized behavior is described, and we explore some statistical properties of the time it takes to achieve this regime.