Low gain feedback (Q1271359)

The motivation of this book is clearly stated in the author's preface: ``compared to that of high-gain feedback, the powerfulness of low gain feedback is less recognized''. The experience of the classical control engineer shows in fact that while high gains are normally required in a linear control system, they may become harmful in nonlinear ones, e.g., in the presence of saturation. Such well-known (but forgotten by recent-date theorists) facts lead the author of this book to the idea of presenting recent development in low gain feedback and its applications in a coherent manner. It is worth mentioning that he is an important contributor to the field in the last 6-7 years (a third of the book's references are his). Here, continuous-time and discrete-time systems are considered in parallel and two basic design techniques are presented in the starting 2nd chapter (the 1st one is introductory): the method based on eigenstructure assignment and the method based on the ARE (Algebraic Riccati Equation). Further the following topics are presented: Semi-Global Stabilization and Robust Semi-Global Stabilization of Linear Systems with Saturating Actuators. Semi-Global Output Regulation and Semi-Global Output Decoupling for Linear Systems with Saturating Actuators. Scheduling Law and High-Gain Parameters (Turning Semi-Global Results into Global Ones). Semi-Global Stabilization with Magnitude and Rate Saturating Actuators. Robust Semi-Global Stabilization of Minimum-Phase Input/Output Linearizable Systems. Perfect Regulation and \(H_2\)-Suboptimal Control. Almost Disturbance Decoupling with Internal Stability for Linear and Nonlinear Systems. Two applications concerning the Inverted Pendulum and a feedback design for an F16 Fight Aircraft are presented. An overall assessment of the book would be that it is a reference book in the field. New research should in any case start from the level of this book. And last but not least: this book represents the current status of the research line suggested by two ``historical'' papers: ``The analytic design of controls. V: Further developments in the problem'' [Autom. Remote Control 23, 1319-1327 (1963); translation from Avtom. Telemekh. 23, 1405-1413 (1962; Zbl 0129.07503)] by \textit{A. M. Letov} and ``Optimal bang-bang control with quadratic performance index'' [J. Basic Eng. (Trans. ASME, Ser. D) 86, No. 1 (1964)] by \textit{W. M. Wonham} and \textit{C. D. Johnson}.