Robust control under weakened real-time constraints

Abstract

A weakened implementation scheme for real-time feedback controllers is proposed to reduce the conservatism due to traditional worst-cases considerations, while preserving the stability and control performance. Based on recent results to assess stability of linear systems with delayed and sampled-data inputs, this paper takes into account both the effects of deadline misses of control tasks and uncertainties in the plant. The methodology is applied to the pitch control of an aircraft, showing that weakening the real-time constraints allows for saving computing power while preserving the system's stability.