Adaptive switching supervisory control of nonlinear systems with no prior knowledge of noise bounds

The problem of controlling nonlinear noisy systems affected by parametric uncertainties is approached via the introduction of a supervisor which, whenever needed, switches on, in feedback to the plant, a controller selected from a finite set of predesigned controllers. A Lyapunov-based falsification criterion allows one to ensure robust stability in the presence of uncertain constant parameters and exogenous bounded disturbances. Simulations are discussed in order to illustrate the merits of the proposed algorithms.     

Stochastic nonlinear stabilization — II: Inverse optimality

After considering the stabilization of a specific class of stochastic nonlinear systems in a companion paper, in this second part, we address the classical question of when is a stabilizing (in probability) controller optimal and show that for every system with a stochastic control Lyapunov function it is possible to construct a controller which is optimal with respect to a meaningful cost functional. Then we return to the problem from Part I and design an optimal backstepping controller whose cost functional includes penalty on control effort and which has an infinite gain margin.     

Stabilization of inter-area and/or oscillatory modes in large-scale power system by voltage impedance power system (VIPS) apparatus based on decentralized control scheme

New technologies such as power electronics have made it possible to change continuously the impedance of a power system not only to control power flow but also to enhance stability. A power system incorporating a variable impedance apparatus such as a variable series capacitor (VSrC) and high-speed phase shifter (HSPS) is called VIPS (Variable Impedance Power System) by the authors. This paper proposes a novel control method of VIPS apparatus such as VSrC and HSPS installed at an interconnecting point for stabilizing inter-area unstable and/or oscillatory modes. The proposed design method of the control system is a kind of hierarchical decentralized control method of a large-scale power system based on a Lyapunov function. Under the proposed control scheme, each subsystem can be stabilized independently by local controllers such as AVR, speed governor and PSS, and then the whole interconnected system can be stabilized by VIPS apparatus taking into account interactions between subsystems. The effectiveness and robustness of the VIPS apparatus control are shown by numerical examples with model systems including a large-scale power system.     

Business programmes and information systems methodologies

Abstract. An Information Systems Methodology is usually presented as a sequential set of tasks — planning, analysis, design and construction — resulting in a new business application. This classical 'forward-engineering' approach must be adapted to changing business needs — business process redesign, quality management, process and systems templates, advanced technologies, application packages, the reuse of existing information systems resources, and rapid delivery cycles. Using the most general concept of a Business Programme, this paper describes a methodological approach incorporating these modern themes that is qualitatively and quantitatively different from the classical model. It provides a framework for the integration of otherwise independent methodologies, and shows how an entire programme can be formulated, planned and executed. An example is provided, and the approach is justified.     

Lyapunov‐stable discrete‐time model reference adaptive control

Discrete‐time model reference adaptive control (MRAC) is considered with both least squares and projection algorithm parameter identification. For both cases complete Lyapunov proofs are given for stability and convergence. The results extend the approach of Johansson (Int. J. Control 1989; 50 (3):859–869) to include Lyapunov stability for MRAC when the normalized projection algorithm is used for parameter identification. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Cellular neural network with trapezoidal activation function

This paper presents a cellular neural network (CNN) scheme employing a new non‐linear activation function, called trapezoidal activation function (TAF). The new CNN structure can classify linearly non‐separable data points and realize Boolean operations (including eXclusive OR) by using only a single‐layer CNN. In order to simplify the stability analysis, a feedback matrix W is defined as a function of the feedback template A and 2D equations are converted to 1D equations. The stability conditions of CNN with TAF are investigated and a sufficient condition for the existence of a unique equilibrium and global asymptotic stability is derived. By processing several examples of synthetic images, the analytically derived stability condition is also confirmed. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Trade-off analysis on cost and manufacturing technology of an electronic product: Case study

A trade-off analysis on the cost and system packaging metrics of an electronic product aimed at the commercial/retail industry has been carried out. By comparing the system cost and packaging metrics with those of comparable consumer products, we have determined that there is opportunity for significant cost, size, and weight reduction of the overall electronics packaging system. These include the use of fine pitch IC packages, smaller discrete components, denser PCB wiring technology, double sided IC package surface mount, surface mount connectors, and improved plastics for the product housing. The analysis concluded that PCB area reduction of 40%, using a single PCB instead of three boards, reduction in board cost of over 50% and product weight reduction of over 28% are possible using available technologies.     

模块化职务分析

章总结了职务分析方法在我国的应用情况，分析了需求特点，引入模块化的思想，提出了新的职务分析方法——模块化职务分析，认为职务分析的关键就是将工作中的各项任务进行整理，组成不同的工作模块。建立计算机辅助管理系统，时时调整、修改工作模块，对工作模块进行组合，形成职务，从而使职务分析趋于动态化。     

Nonpathological Lyapunov functions and discontinuous Carathéodory systems

Differential equations with discontinuous right-hand side and solutions intended in Carathéodory sense are considered. For these equations, sufficient conditions which guarantee both Lyapunov stability and asymptotic stability in terms of nonsmooth Lyapunov functions are given. An invariance principle is also proven.     

Adaptive tracking control of manipulators: Theory and experiments

This paper considers the trajectory tracking problem for uncertain robot manipulators and proposes two adaptive controllers as solutions to this problem. The first controller is derived under the assumption that the manipulator state is measurable, while the second strategy is developed for those applications in which only position measurements are available. The adaptive schemes are very general and computationally efficient since they do not require knowledge of either the mathematical model or the parameter values of the manipulator dynamics, and are implemented without calculation of the robot inverse dynamics or inverse kinematic transformation. It is shown that the control strategies ensure uniform boundedness of all signals in the presence of bounded disturbances, and that the ultimate size of the tracking errors can be made arbitrarily small. Experimental results are presented for a PUMA 560 manipulator and demonstrate that accurate and robust trajectory tracking can be achieved by using the proposed controllers.