A Convex Solution of the $H_\infty$-Optimal Controller Synthesis Problem for Multidelay Systems

Abstract

Optimal controller synthesis is a bilinear problem and hence difficult to solve in a computationally efficient manner. We are able to resolve this bilinearity for systems with delay by first convexifying the problem in infinite dimensions, i.e., formulating the $H_\infty$-optimal state-feedback controller synthesis problem for distributed-parameter systems as a linear operator inequality, which a form of convex optimization with operator variables. Next, we use positive matrices to parameterize positive “complete quadratic” operators, allowing the controller synthesis problem to be solved using semidefinite programming (SDP). We then use the solution to this SDP to calculate the feedback gains and provide effective methods for real-time implementation. Finally, we use several test cases to verify that the resulting controllers are optimal to several decimal places as measured by the minimal achievable closed-loop $H_\infty$ norm, and as compared against controllers designed using high-order Padé approximations.