In this paper we describe the transition to phase synchronization for syste
ms of coupled nonlinear oscillators that individually follow the Feigenbaum
route to chaos. A nested structure of phase synchronized regions of differ
ent attractor families is observed. With this structure, the transition to
nonsynchronous behavior is determined by the loss of stability for the most
stable synchronous mode. It is shown that the appearance of hyperchaos and
the transition from lag synchronization to phase synchronization are relat
ed to the merging of chaotic attractors from different families. Numerical
examples using Rossler systems and model maps are given. (C) 1999 American
Institute of Physics. [S1054-1500(99)00201-3].