Novel limit cycle analysis of the thruster control system with time delay using a PWM-based PD controller

Limit cycle analysis of the attitude control system for jet thrusters has been performed using a phase plane method. Pulse-width-modulator (PWM) and PD control laws are applied to the attitude control of the jet thruster system under the effect of time-delay of a solenoid valve. Resultant characteristics of the limit cycle such as frequency, amplitude, maximum rate, and duty ratio have been analytically evaluated and presented.