Sampled-data models for affine nonlinear systems using a fractional-order hold and their zero dynamics

One of the approaches to sampled-data controller design for nonlinear continuous-time systems consists of obtaining an appropriate model and then proceeding to design a controller for the model. Hence, it is important to derive a good approximate sampled-data model because the exact sampled-data model for nonlinear systems is often unavailable to the controller designers. Recently, Yuz and Goodwin proposed a more accurate model than the simple Euler model in the case of a zero-order hold. This article derives a sampled-data model for nonlinear systems using a fractional-order hold, and analyzes the zero dynamics of the sampled-data model.