On a ``central inequality'' in the theory of input-output systems (Q1390730)

In the stability and sensitivity theory of general, nonlinear input-output systems we encounter a certain inequality concerning solely the nominal system that plays a central role in the whole theory. In particular, this ``central inequality'', combined with other assumptions, implies (a) stability of the nominal system, (b) robustness, and (c) insensitivity of the input-output system. This paper presents conditions equivalent to this central inequality, and a further result on the stability-robustness problem.