Robust H∞ finite-horizon control for a class of stochastic nonlinear time-varying systems subject to sensor and actuator saturations

This technical note addresses the robust H∞ finite-horizon output feedback control problem for a class of uncertain discrete stochastic nonlinear time-varying systems with both sensor and actuator saturations. In the system under investigation, all the system parameters are allowed to be time-varying, the parameter uncertainties are assumed to be of the polytopic type, and the stochastic nonlinearities are described by statistical means which can cover several classes of well-studied nonlinearities. The purpose of the problem addressed is to design an output feedback controller, over a given finite-horizon, such that the H∞ disturbance attenuation level is guaranteed for the nonlinear stochastic polytopic system in the presence of saturated sensor and actuator outputs. Sufficient conditions are first established for the robust H∞ performance through intensive stochastic analysis, and then a recursive linear matrix inequality (RLMI) approach is employed to design the desired output feedback controller achieving the prescribed H∞ disturbance rejection level. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed controller design scheme. © 2006 IEEE.