H∞ output tracking control for uncertain networked control systems via a switched system approach

In this paper, the problem of H∞ output tracking control for networked control systems with random time delays and system uncertainties is investigated. Effective sampling instant that is tightly related with transmission delay from sensor to actuator is proposed to ensure that the random variable time delay is always shorter than one effective sampling period. By using both active time‐varying sampling period strategy and hybrid node‐driven mechanism, the switching instant is coincided with the effective sampling instant. An augmented time‐varying networked tracking system model is provided by including the output tracking error as an additional state. However, random transmission delay causes indeterminate sampling period, which induces infinite subsystems. Gridding approach is introduced to transform the continuous time axis into discrete‐time sequences, which guarantees the finite number of switching rules. By employing multiple Lyapunov–Krasovskii functions, linear matrix inequality (LMI)‐based output tracking H∞ performance analysis is presented, and robust switching H∞ model reference tracking controller for networked control systems with communication constraints and system uncertainties is designed to guarantee asymptotic tracking of prescribed reference outputs while rejecting disturbances. Finally, simulation results illustrate the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed approaches.