In this paper, we show that nonlinear dynamical systems which satisfy the edge of chaos criteria can bifurcate from a stable equilibrium point regime to a chaotic regime by periodic forcing. That is, the edge of chaos criteria can be exploited to engineer a phase transition from ordered to chaotic behavior. The frequency of the periodic forcing can be derived from this criteria. In order to generate a periodic or a chaotic oscillation, we have to tune the amplitude of the periodic forcing. For example, we engineer chaotic oscillations in the generalized Duffing oscillator, the FitzHugh-Nagumo model, the Hodgkin-Huxley model, and the Morris-Lecar model. Although forced oscillators can exhibit chaotic oscillations even if the edge of chaos criteria is not satisfied, our computer simulations show that forced oscillators satisfying the edge of chaos criteria can exhibit highly complex chaotic behaviors, such as folding loci, strong spiral dynamics, or tight compressing dynamics. In order to view these behaviors, we used high-dimensional Poincare maps and coordinate transformations. We also show that interesting nonlinear dynamical systems can be synthesized by applying the edge of chaos criteria. They are globally stable without forcing, that is, all trajectories converge to an asymptotically-stable equilibrium point. However, if we apply a forcing signal, then the dynamical systems can oscillate chaotically. Furthermore, the average power delivered from the forced signal is not dissipated by chaotic oscillations, but on the contrary, energy can be generated via chaotic oscillations, powered by locally-active circuit elements inside the one-port circuit N connected across a current source.
