Nonlinear sampled-data systems research project

Summary

In the vast literature on nonlinear control design, an area that has received scant attention is sampled-data control. In this problem, a continuous time plant is typically controlled by a discrete-time feedback algorithm. A sample and hold device provides the interface between continuous time and discrete-time. One way to address sampled-data control is to implement a continuous time control algorithm with a sufficiently small sampling period. However, the hardware used to sample and hold the plant measurements or compute the feedback control action may make it impossible to reduce the sampling period to a level that guarantees acceptable closed-loop performance. In this case, it becomes interesting to investigate the application of sampled-data control algorithms based on a discrete-time model of the process. We have developed a framework for controller design for sampled-data nonlinear systems via their approximate discrete-time models. A range of controller design tools to be used within this framework has also been proposed. Finally, we investigated different techniques for emulation and continuous-time controller redesign for sampled-data implementation. Our ultimate goal is to develop a rigorous methodology for nonlinear sampled-data controller design.

Collaborators

Selected publications