Multi-pulse-width modulated control of linear systems

A method is presented to convert a parent discrete time control into a multi-pulse-width modulated equivalent. Ht is shown that such an equivalence cam be established by matching the system state response at each sampling interval and that, provided a sufficient number of pulses per sampling interval are used, the degree of approximation can be as high as desired even if a relatively slow sampling frequency is adopted A numerical example on a simple fourth-order system provides the basis for understanding the pros and cons of the method, which is then applied to a more complex aerospace problem: the stabilization of coupled thermoelastic vibrations of a space structure.