Design and analysis of tracking differentiator based on SO(3)

Abstract

Motivated by the issue of insufficient dynamic performance and tracking accuracy in SO(3)-based attitude tracking differentiators during large-angle maneuvers and complex trajectory tracking, a novel design approach for a three-degree-of-freedom attitude tracking differentiator within the SO(3) framework is proposed by incorporating second-order system theory and Lie group theory and improving the classical tracking differentiator. The kinematics model and error dynamics model of a rigid body on SO(3) are derived, and a reasonable virtual control input on SO(3) is constructed subsequently in order to achieve better dynamic response and tracking performance. Simulation and experimental results validate that the designed tracking differentiator could realize rapid and smooth convergence during large-angle maneuvers, and the initial large tracking error rapidly drops to near zero in a short period of time; additionally, it can also track expected time-varying curves well in complex trajectory tracking, with initial errors rapidly decreasing and maintaining at normal levels, demonstrating excellent tracking and control capabilities. There are strong application prospects for this new approach in addition to its theoretical significance.