Fixed-architecture controller synthesis for systems with input-output time-varying nonlinearities

In this paper we develop a fixed-architecture controller analysis and synthesis framework that addresses the problem of multivariable linear time-invariant systems subject to plant input and plant output time-varying nonlinearities while accounting for robust stability and robust performance over the allowable class of nonlinearities. The proposed framework is based on the classical Lure problem and the related Aizerman conjecture concerning the stability of a feedback loop involving a sector-bounded nonlinearity. Specifically, we extend the classical notions of absolute stability theory to guarantee closed-loop stability of multi variable systems in the presence of input nonlinearities. In order to capture closed-loop system performance we also consider the minimization of a quadratic performance criterion over the allowable class of input nonlinearities. Our approach is directly applicable to systems with saturating actuators and provides full and reduced-order dynamic compensators with a guaranteed domain of attraction. The principal result is a set of constructive sufficient conditions for absolute stabilization characterized via a coupled system of algebraic Riccati and Lyapunov equations. The effectiveness of design approach is illustrated by several numerical examples.