A new synchronisation theorem for a class of chaotic systems is presented b
ased on nonlinear observer theory. We take the first state variable of the
drive system as the driving scalar signal. Its linear feedback gain is a fu
nction of a free parameter. It is proven that global synchronization can be
attained through simple linear output error feedback. This approach is ill
ustrated by the WGY hyperchaotic system and Chua's oscillator.