A new set of piecewise constant orthogonal functions for the analysis of linear SISO systems with sample-and-hold

Abstract

The present work searches for a suitable set of orthogonal functions for the analysis of control systems with sample-and-hold ( S/H). The search starts with the applicability of the well known block pulse function (BPF) set and uses an operational technique by defining a block pulse operational transfer function ( BPOTF ) to analyse a few control systems. The results obtained are found to be fairly accurate. But this method failed to distinguish between an input sampled system and an error sampled system. To remove these limitations, another improved approach was followed using a sample-and-hold operational matrix, but it also failed to come up with accurate results. Further, the method needed a large number of component block pulse functions leading to a much larger amount of storage as well as computational time. To search for a more efficient technique, a new set of piecewise constant orthogonal functions, termed sample-and-hold functions (SHF), is introduced. The analysis, based upon a similar operational technique, in the SHF domain results in the same accuracy as the conventional z-transform analysis. Here, the input signal is expressed as a linear combination of sample-and-hold functions; the plant having a Laplace transfer function G(s) is represented by an equivalent sample-and-hold operational transfer function ( SHOTF ), and the output in the SHF domain is obtained by means of simple matrix multiplication. This technique is able to do away with the laborious algebraic manipulations associated with the z-transform technique without sacrificing accuracy. Also, the accuracy does not depend upon m and the presented method does not need any kind of inverse transformation. A few linear sample-and-hold SISO control systems, open loop as well as closed loop, are analysed as illustrative examples. The results are found to match exactly with the z-transform solutions. Finally, an error analysis has been carried out to estimate the upper bound of the mean integral squared error (m.i.s.e.) of the SHF approximation of a function f(t) of Lebesgue measure.