A relationship between sensitivity and stability of multivariable feedback systems

Both comparison sensitivity and robust stability analysis attempt to extend concepts which are well understood in scalar feedback systems to multivariable control system design. Although the two bodies of work have developed about a decade apart, the basic philosophies are similar. Both attempt to maintain a system property (sensitivity reduction versus stability) in the presence of plant modeling errors. This paper demonstrates how the similarity in philosophy translates into a similarity in results and interpretations.