Uniting local and global controllers with robustness to vanishing noise (Q5943905)

The problem examined by the paper is how to interpolate between a feedback control law prescribed in the vicinity of a point to be stabilized, and another feedback rule given away from that point. The interpolation should maintain desired characteristics, primarily robustness. The problem, initiated by A. Teel and his colleagues, has apparent applications. Moreover, design constraints may impose restrictions on the type of interpolations which are allowed. In an enjoyably clear manner, the paper under review describes the limitations of various control designs and provides interpolation results where possible. The classes of controls which are examined are: static feedback controls, dynamic feedback controls and periodic controls. The main highlights concerning each category are as follows. The existence of a static feedback interpolation is tied up with the existence of appropriate Lyapunov functions. The class of equations for which such a solution can be found becomes larger if discontinuous feedback is allowed. Dynamic feedback may induce hysteresis, which is the proper tool to overcome some topological obstacles to the interpolation problem. Periodic controls, which form, in a sense, a dynamic feedback but without a stabilization requirement on the auxiliary equation, enlarge the ensemble of systems for which a solution exists. The paper displays enlightening counterexamples and remarks which explain the limitations in the steps of the ladder of the structures. Positive results are demonstrated via quite general theorems.