A robust optimal sliding‐mode control approach for magnetic levitation systems

This paper presents a robust optimal sliding‐mode control approach for position tracking of a magnetic levitation system. First, a linear model that represents the nonlinear dynamics of the magnetic levitation system is derived by the feedback linearization technique. Then, the robust optimal sliding‐mode control developed from the linear model is proposed. In the proposed control scheme, the integral sliding‐mode control with robust optimal approach is developed to achieve the features of high performance in position tracking response and robustness to the matched and unmatched uncertainties. Simulation and experimental results from the computer‐controlled magnetic levitation system are illustrated to show the validity of the proposed control approach for practical applications. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society