Robust Variable Sampling Period Control for Networked Control Systems

The aim of this paper is to develop a novel robust variable sampling period controller (RVSPC) for networked control systems (NCSs) in the presence of random time delays and packet losses. Different from the existing control techniques for NCSs, the RVSPC controller is constructed as a hybrid robust controller with the adaptive variable sampling period. To adapt to the delay variation, a so-called variable sampling period adjuster based on a time delay predictor (TDP) and a time delay and packet detector is designed to adjust effectively the sampling period. To efficiently compensate for the random delays and packet losses, the hybrid controller is designed as a combination of a quantitative feedback theory (QFT)-based robust controller and a robust state feedback controller (RSFC) with adaptive control gain. A smart switch based on the TDP is then used to select properly the main control unit as the QFT or RSFC corresponding to the current delay and packet loss status. Illustrative examples with NCSs including both computation and communication delays and packet losses are finally carried out to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.