Computer-aided controller design environment for use with nonlinear systems

Abstract

The paper presents a computer-aided design (CAD) environment for synthesis of controllers for use with highly nonlinear systems. The implemented technique of the CAD environment is based on a six step systematic procedure, and the CAD environment is comprised of three command-driven and user-friendly software utilities. The controller design procedure and the associated software allow the user to identify the optimum controller that would form a nonlinear feedback system whose dynamic and static behaviour would mimic that of a user-defined reference linear model with as little sensitivity to the amplitude level of the excitation signal as possible. The CAD environment performs a complete cycle of steps starting from plant description to frequency domain modelling, linear system identification, controller synthesis, and design validation via simulation.