We consider an approach for coordinating the activity of a large array of m
icroactuators via diffusive (i.e., nearest-neighbor) coupling combined with
reactive growth and decay, implemented via interconnection templates which
have been artificially engineered into the system (for example, in colloca
ted microelectronic circuitry, or through the formulation of active materia
l layers). Such coupled systems can support interesting spatiotemporal patt
erns, which in turn determine the actuation patterns. Generating such spati
otemporal patterns typically involves stressing the interconnections by rai
sing or lowering a parameter resulting in the crossing of stability thresho
lds. The possibility of making such parametric adjustments via feedback on
a slower timescale offers a solution to the problem of communicating effect
ively within a large array: The communication is achieved through the inter
connection template. The mathematics behind this idea leads us into the ric
h domain of nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) with spatiotemp
oral pattern solutions. We present a global nonlinear stability analysis th
at applies to certain model pattern-forming systems. The nonlinear stabilit
y analysis could serve as a starting point for control system design for sy
stems containing large microactuator arrays.