Fundamental Issues in Networked Control Systems

Abstract--This paper provides a survey on modeling and theories of networked control systems （NCS）. In the first part, modeling of the different types of imperfections that affect NCS is discussed. These imperfections are quantization errors, packet dropouts, variable sampling/transmission intervals, vari- able transmission delays, and communication constraints. Then follows in the second part a presentation of several theories that have been applied for controlling networked systems. These theories include： input delay system approach, Markovian system approach, switched system approach, stochastic system approach, impulsive system approach, and predictive control approach. In the last part, some advanced issues in NCS including decentral- ized and distributed NCS, cloud control system, and co-design of NCS are reviewed. Index Terms--Decentralized networked control systems （NCS）, distributed networked control systems, network constraints, net- worked control system, quantization, time delays.

Research on robust fault-tolerant control for networked control system with packet dropout

A kind of networked control system with network-induced delay and packet dropout, modeled on asynchronous dynamical systems was tested, and the integrity design of the networked control system with sensors failures and actuators failures was analyzed using hybrid systems technique based on the robust fault-tolerant control theory. The parametric expression of controller is given based on the feasible solution of linear matrix inequality. The simulation results are provided on the basis of detailed theoretical analysis, which further demonstrate the validity of the proposed schema.

Fault-Tolerant Control Research for Networked Control System under Communication Constraints

Implementing a control system over a communication network induces inevitable time delays that may degrade performance and even cause instability. One of the most effective ways to reduce the negative effect of delays on the performance of networked control system (NCS) is to reduce network traffic. In this paper, adjustable deadbands are explored as a solution to reduce network traffic in NCS. A method of fault-tolerant control of networked control system is presented, which takes into account system response as well as network traffic. The integrity design for a kind of NCS with sensor failures and actuator failures is analyzed based on robust fault-tolerant control theory and information scheduling. After detailed theoretical analysis, the paper also provides the simulation results, which further validate the proposed scheme.

Networked Control Systems:A Survey of Trends and Techniques

Networked control systems are spatially distributed systems in which the communication between sensors, actuators,and controllers occurs through a shared band-limited digital communication network. Several advantages of the network architectures include reduced system wiring, plug and play devices,increased system agility, and ease of system diagnosis and maintenance. Consequently, networked control is the current trend for industrial automation and has ever-increasing applications in a wide range of areas, such as smart grids, manufacturing systems,process control, automobiles, automated highway systems, and unmanned aerial vehicles. The modelling, analysis, and control of networked control systems have received considerable attention in the last two decades. The ‘control over networks’ is one of the key research directions for networked control systems. This paper aims at presenting a survey of trends and techniques in networked control systems from the perspective of ‘control over networks’, providing a snapshot of five control issues: sampled-data control, quantization control, networked control, event-triggered control, and security control. Some challenging issues are suggested to direct the future research.

Guaranteed cost control for networked control systems

The guaranteed cost control problem for networked control systems (NCSs) is addressed under communication constraints and varying sampling rate. First of all, a simple information-scheduling scheme is presented to describe the scheduling approach of system signals in NCSs. Then, based on such a scheme and given sampling method, the design procedure in dynamic output feedback manner is also derived which renders the closed loop system to be asymptotically stable and guarantees an upper bound of the LQ performance cost function.

Stability of singular networked control systems with control constraint

Based on bounded network-induced time-delay, the networked control system is modeled as a linear time-variant singular system. Using the Lyapunov theory and the linear matrix inequality approach, the criteria for delay-independent stability and delay-dependent stability of singular networked control systems are derived and transformed to a feasibility problem of linear matrix inequality formulation, which can be solved by the Matlab LMI toolbox, and the feasible solutions provide the maximum allowable delay bound that makes the system stable. A numerical example is provided, which shows that the analysis method is valid and the stability criteria are feasible.

Improved H_∞ control for networked control systems with network-induced delay and packet dropout

The H_∞ performance analysis and controller design for linear networked control systems(NCSs) are presented.The NCSs are considered a linear continuous system with time-varying interval input delay by assuming that the sensor is time-driven and the logic Zero-order-holder(ZOH) and controller are event-driven.Based on this model,the delay interval is divided into two equal subintervals for H_∞ performance analysis.An improved H_∞ stabilization condition is obtained in linear matrix inequalities(LMIs) framework by adequately considering the information about the bounds of the input delay to construct novel Lyapunov–Krasovskii functionals(LKFs).For the purpose of reducing the conservatism of the proposed results,the bounds of the LKFs differential cross terms are properly estimated without introducing any slack matrix variables.Moreover,the H_∞ controller is reasonably designed to guarantee the robust asymptotic stability for the linear NCSs with an H_∞ performance level γ.Numerical simulation examples are included to validate the reduced conservatism and effectiveness of our proposed method.

Fault detection for nonlinear networked control systems based on fuzzy observer

Security and reliability must be focused on control sys- tems firstly, and fault detection and diagnosis （FDD） is the main theory and technology. Now, there are many positive results in FDD for linear networked control systems （LNCSs）, but nonlinear networked control systems （NNCSs） are less involved. Based on the T-S fuzzy-modeling theory, NNCSs are modeled and network random time-delays are changed into the unknown bounded uncertain part without changing its structure. Then a fuzzy state observer is designed and an observer-based fault detection approach for an NNCS is presented. The main results are given and the relative theories are proved in detail. Finally, some simulation results are given and demonstrate the proposed method is effective.

Stability analysis of networked control systems with time-varying sampling periods

In this paper, we present an interval model of networked control systems with time-varying sampling periods and time-varying network-induced delays and discuss the problem of stability of networked control systems using Lyapunov stability theory. A sufficient stability condition is obtained by solving a set of linear matrix inequalities. In the end, the illustrative example demonstrates the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed approach.

Modeling Delay and Packet Drop in Networked Control Systems Using Network Simulator NS2

Wireless Networked Control Systems (WNCS) are used to implement a control mechanism over a wireless network that is capable of carrying real-time traffic. This field has drawn enormous attention from current researchers because of its flexibility and robustness. However, designing efficient WNCS over Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANET) is still a challenging topic because of its less-predictable aspects, such as inconsistent delay, packet drop probability, and dynamic topology. This paper presents design guidelines for WNCS over MANET using the Network Simulator version 2, NS2 software. It investigates the impact of packet delay and packet drop under the AODV and DSR routing protocols. The simulation results have been compared to MATLAB results for validation. Keywords Adhoc On-Demand Distance Vector (AODV) routing - Dynamic Source routing (DSR) - Mobile Adhoc Networks (MANET) - Wireless Networked Control Systems (WNCS) Mohammad Shahidul Hasan received his BSc and first MSc in Computer Science from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. He obtained his 2nd MSc in Computer & Network Engineering from Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK. Currently he is pursuing his PhD under the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Technology, Staffordshire University, Stafford, UK in Networked Control Systems over MANET.Chris Harding received his BSc in Computing Science and Masters by Research from Staffordshire University, UK. Currently he is pursuing his PhD in Wireless Networked Control Systems, specifically looking at NCS over MANETs, with research interests in this area concentrating on the network routing and effect of routing protocols on the NCS system.Hongnian Yu is Professor of Computer Science at Staffordshire University. He was a lecturer in Control and Systems Engineering at Yanshan University, China in 1985–1990, did his PhD in Robotics at King’s College London (1990–1994), was a research fellow in Manufacturing Systems at Sussex University (1994–1996), a lecturer in Artificial Intelligence at Liver-pool John Moore’s University (1996–1999), a lecturer in Control and Systems Engineering at the University of Exeter (1999–2002), and a Senior Lecturer in Computing at the University of Bradford (2002–2004). He now leads the Mobile Computing and Distributed Systems Research Group at Staffordshire University. He was a founding member of the Modeling Optimisation Scheduling and Intelligent Control research group at the University of Bradford. He has extensive research experience in neural networks, mobile computing, modeling, control of robot manipulators, and modeling, scheduling, planning, and simulations of large discrete event dynamic systems with applications to manufacturing systems, supply chains, transportation networks, and computer networks. He has published over 100 research papers focusing on the following: neural networks, computer networks, adaptive and robust control of robot manipulators, analysis and control of hybrid machines, control of timed delay systems, predictive control, manufacturing system modeling and scheduling, planning, and supply chains. He has held several research grants from EPSRC, the Royal Society, and the EU, as well as from industry. He was awarded the F.C. William Premium for his paper on adaptive and robust control of robot manipulators by the IEE Council in 1997. Professor Yu is an EPSRC college member, a member of IEEE, and a committee member of several conferences and journal editorial boards.Alison Griffiths has been a Senior Lecturer in Telecommunications at Staffordshire University since 2003. She was a lecturer in Computing at Staffordshire University in 2002–2003. She was a Research Associate on an EPSRC funded project whilst doing her PhD on the convergence of Mobile Computing and Telecommunications at Staffordshire University (1999–2003). The investigation consisted of the communication of different types of media (voice, video conferencing, web browsing, and downloading) over a common network, using a mobile device. Problems considered were the complications that occurred when a user moves, and consequently changes their end-point in the network during communication, with respect to the type of service the user is provided with (delays and losses). She obtained both her MEng and 1st Class BEng (Hons) from Staffordshire University in 1999 and 1998 respectively. She is now part of the Mobile Computing and Distributed Systems Research Group at Staffordshire University. She has published 8 research papers focusing on quality of service and access between cellular and IP packet switched networks. Future directions include mobile agents and control of mobile wireless ad-hoc networks. Her current research interests have extended to Wireless Networked Control Systems, specifically looking at NCS over MANETs, with research interests in this area concentrating on the network routing and effect of routing protocols on the NCS system.

Exponential stabilization of networked control systems and design of switching controller

This paper deals with the problem of switching between an open-loop estimator and a close-loop estimator for compensating transmission error and packet dropout of networked control systems. Switching impulse is considered in order to reduce the error between theory and application, a sufficient condition for exponential stabilization of networked control systems under a given switching rule is presented by multiple Lyapunov-like functions. These results are presented for both continuous-time and discrete-time domains. Controllers are designed by means of linear matrix inequalities. Sim- ulation results show the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed method.

Research on robust mean square stability of networked control systems with packet dropout

This paper is concerned with the robust stabilization problem of networked control systems with stochastic packet dropouts and uncertain parameters. Considering the stochastic packet dropout occuring in two channels between the sensor and the controller, and between the controller and the actuator, networked control systems are modeled as the Markovian jump linear system with four operation modes. Based on this model, the necessary and sufficient conditions for the mean square stability of the deterministic networked control systems and uncertain networked control systems are given by using the theory of the Markovian jump linear system, and corresponding controller design procedures are proposed via the cone complementarity linearization method. Finally, the numerical example and simulations are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed results.

Research on fault-tolerant control of networked control systems based on information scheduling

A kind of networked control system is studied; the networked control system with noise disturbance is modeled based on information scheduling and control co-design. Augmented state matrix analysis method is introduced, and robust fault-tolerant control problem of networked control systems with noise disturbance under actuator failures is studied. The parametric expression of the controller under actuator failures is given. Furthermore, the result is analyzed by simulation tests, which not only satisfies the networked control systems stability, but also decreases the data information number in network channel and makes full use of the network resources.

Robust Fuzzy Tracking Control for Nonlinear Networked Control Systems with Integral Quadratic Constraints

This paper investigates the robust tracking control problcm for a class of nonlinear networked control systems （NCSs） using the Takagi-Sugeno （T-S） fuzzy model approach. Based on a time-varying delay system transformed from the NCSs, an augmented Lyapunov function containing more useful information is constructed. A less conservative sufficient condition is established such that the closed-loop systems stability and time-domain integral quadratic constraints （IQCs） are satisfied while both time-varying network- induced delays and packet losses are taken into account. The fuzzy tracking controllers design scheme is derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities （LMIs） and parallel distributed compensation （PDC）. Furthermore, robust stabilization criterion for nonlinear NCSs is given as an extension of the tracking control result. Finally, numerical simulations are provided to illustrate the effectiveness and merits of the proposed method.

Fault Tolerant Control for Networked Control Systems with Packet Loss and Time Delay

In this paper,a fault tolerant control with the consideration of actuator fault for a networked control system （NCS） with packet loss is addressed.The NCS with data packet loss can be described as a switched system model.Packet loss dependent Lyapunov function is used and a fault tolerant controller is proposed respectively for arbitrary packet loss process and Markovian packet loss process.Considering a controlled plant with external energy-bounded disturbance,a robust H ∞ fault tolerant controller is designed for the NCS.These results are also expanded to the NCS with packet loss and networked-induced delay.Numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed design method.

A switched system approach to stabilization of networked control systems

A switched system approach is proposed to model networked control systems （NCSs） with communication constraints. This enables us to apply the rich theory of switched systems to analyzing such NCSs. Sufficient conditions are presented on the stabilization of NCSs. Stabilizing state/output feedback controllers can be constructed by using the feasible solutions of some linear matrix inequalities （LMIs）. The merit of our proposed approach is that the behavior of the NCSs can be studied by considering switched system without augmenting the system. A simulation example is worked out to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.

Guaranteed Cost Active Fault-tolerant Control of Networked Control System with Packet Dropout and Transmission Delay

The problem of guaranteed cost active fault-tolerant controller （AFTC） design for networked control systems （NCSs） with both packet dropout and transmission delay is studied in this paper. Considering the packet dropout and transmission delay, a piecewise constant controller is adopted. With a guaranteed cost function, optimal controllers whose number is equal to the number of actuators are designed, and the design process is formulated as a convex optimal problem that can be solved by existing software. The control strategy is proposed as follows： when actuator failures appear, the fault detection and isolation unit sends out the information to the controller choosing strategy, and then the optimal stabilizing controller with the smallest guaranteed cost value is chosen. Two illustrative examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. By comparing with the existing methods, it can be seen that our method has a better performance.

Robust sliding mode control for uncertain networked control system with two-channel packet dropouts

A robust sliding mode control algorithm is developed for a class of networked control system with packet dropouts in both sensor-controller channel and controller-actuator channel,and at the same time mismatched parametric uncertainty and external disturbance are also taken into consideration.A two-level Bernoulli process has been used to describe the packet dropouts existing in both channels.A novel integral sliding surface is proposed,based on which the H∞performance of system sliding mode motion is analyzed.Then the sufficient condition for system stability and robustness is derived in the form of linear matrix inequality(LMI).A sliding mode controller is designed which can guarantee a relatively ideal system dynamic performance and has certain robustness against unknown parameter perturbations and external disturbances.The results from numerical simulations are presented to corroborate the validity of the proposed controller.

Uniformed model of networked control systems with long time delay

Feedback control systems wherein the control loops are closed through a real-time network are called networked control systems （NCS）. The defining feature of an NCS is that information is exchanged using a network among control system components. Two new concepts including long time delay and short time delay are proposed. The sensor is almost always clock driven. The controller or the actuator is either clock driven or event driven. Four possible driving modes of networked control systems are presented. The open loop mathematic models of networked control systems with long time delay are developed when the system is driven by anyone of the four different modes. The uniformed modeling method of networked control systems with long time delay is proposed. The simulation results are given in the end.

H-infinity control for networked control systems (NCS) with time-varying delays

This paper discusses H-infinity state feedback control for a networked control system with time-varying delays. Based on the flee-weighing matrix method, a dehy-dependent stability criterion satisfying a prescribed H-infinity norm bound is presented for an NCS with unknown, time-varying and bounded delays. And then, the criterion is transformed into sufficient conditions based on linear matrix inequalities for H-infinity control. The conditions thus obtained are also used to design an H-infinity state feedback controller. This design method is further extended to solve the design problem of robust H-infinity state feedback control. A numerical example demonstrates the validity of the method.