DFG Priority Programme 1305: Control Theory of Digitally Networked Dynamical Systems

Abstract

Abstract The application of modern means of communication, like wireless LAN or Ethernet, enables novel concepts and structures for control engineering. Data can be transmitted between sensors, actuators, and controllers over long distances. Information can even be exchanged between moving objects which was impossible in conventional point to point wired realizations of control loops. However, besides these advantages the use of networks within a control loop also brings up new challenges due to nondeterministic effects like delays and dropouts of data packets. But for yet, there does not exist a theory for the modeling, analysis and design of such complex systems. The connection of several components of a control loop over a communication network represents a digitally networked dynamical system, which is subject of the Priority Programme 1305 “Control Theory of Digitally Networked Dynamical Systems”. The goal of this priority programme, which is founded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) over a period of six years, is to develop a comprehensive theory for this new class of systems. Here, three defined cross-sectional issues are worked out by 13 research groups and their solutions are experimentally proved in demonstration and benchmark processes. Within this priority programme several research groups from the disciplines of control engineering, mathematics and information technology cooperate.