On discrete dynamic output feedback min-max controllers

The paper considers output feedback min-max controllers for non-square discrete time uncertain linear systems. Based on previous work, it is demonstrated that static output feedback min-max controllers are only realizable for a specific class of systems. To broaden this class, a compensator based framework is proposed to introduce additional degrees of freedom. The conditions for the existence of such dynamic output feedback min-max controllers are given and are shown to be relatively mild. Furthermore, a simple parameterization of the available design freedom is proposed. An explicit procedure is described which shows how a Lyapunov matrix, which satisfies both a discrete Riccati inequality and a structural constraint, can be obtained using Linear matrix inequality optimization. This Lyapunov matrix is used to calculate the robustness bounds associated with the closed-loop system. A simple aircraft example is provided to demonstrate the efficacy of the design approach. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.