Characteristic equation for a multivariable linear periodic system with delay (Q2375978)

The authors consider a linear periodic time-delay system of the form \[ \frac{\mathrm{d}y(t)}{\mathrm{d}t}=A y(t)+\mu U(t-\tau),\quad U(t)=B(t) y(t), \] where \(A\) is a constant matrix, \(\mu\) is a scalar, \(B\) is a piecewise continuous matrix-valued function which is \(T\)-periodic and the delay \(\tau>0\) satisfies \(\tau=P\,T+v\), for \(0<v<T\), and a fixed nonnegative integer \(P\). A constructive method to obtain the characteristic equation is presented. This approach is based on the theory of Fredholm and no auxiliar boundary value problem is needed. Moreover, it represents an extension of a method previously used to treat single-loop systems with arbitrary time delay. Finally, the stability of the solution of the main system is investigated via the constructed characteristic equation.