H∞ tracking of linear continuous‐time systems with stochastic uncertainties and preview

Abstract

AbstractThe problem of finite‐horizon H∞ tracking for linear continuous time‐invariant systems with stochastic parameter uncertainties is investigated for both, the state‐feedback and the output‐feedback control problems. We consider three tracking patterns depending on the nature of the reference signal i.e. whether it is perfectly known in advance, measured on line or previewed in a fixed time‐interval ahead. The stochastic uncertainties appear in both the dynamic and measurement matrices of the system. In the state‐feedback case, for each of the above three cases a game theory approach is applied where, given a specific reference signal, the controller plays against nature which chooses the initial condition and the energy‐bounded disturbance. The problems are solved using the expected value of the standard performance index over the stochastic parameters, where, in the state‐feedback case, necessary and sufficient conditions are found for the existence of a saddle‐point equilibrium. The corresponding infinite‐horizon time‐invariant tracking problem is also solved for the latter case, where a dissipativity approach is considered. The output‐feedback control problem is solved as a max–min problem for the three tracking patterns, where necessary and sufficient condition are obtained for the solution. The theory developed is demonstrated by a simple example where we compare our solution with an alternative solution which models the tracking signal as a disturbance. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.