Design Principles for Sampled-Data Systems with Application to Attitude Control of a Large, Flexible Booster

This paper reviews Z-transform and W-transform theory and discusses in detail its application to dynamic compensation of linear sampled-data control systems. Both sampled-data (digital) and continuous-data (analog) compensator synthesis methods are discussed. With respect to digital compensator design, w-plane closed-loop pole positions are related to time response characteristics, analogous to the well known relationships between s-plane pole positions and time response parameters for continuous-data systems. An example is given which illustrates the design technique wherein time and frequency response characteristics are compared. A digital stabilization filter is derived for the attitude control system of a missile typical of the Saturn class.