Robust analysis and synthesis for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems with multiple equilibria

This paper focuses on a class of uncertain nonlinear systems which are subject to norm-bounded parameter uncertainty in the forward path and a vector-valued periodic nonlinearity in the feedback path, and addresses robust analysis and synthesis problems for such systems. Sufficient conditions for global asymptotic stability are derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) and a technique for the estimation of the uncertainty bound is proposed by solving a generalized eigenvalue minimization problem. The problem of robust synthesis is concerned with designing a feedback controller such that the resulting closed-loop system is globally asymptotically stable for all admissible uncertainties. It is shown that a solution to the robust synthesis problem for the uncertain system can be obtained by solving a synthesis problem for an uncertainty free system. A concrete example is presented to demonstrate the applicability and validity of the proposed approach.