Output-feedback sliding-mode control of multivariable systems with uncertain time-varying state delays and unmatched non-linearities

An output-feedback sliding-mode controller is proposed for multivariable uncertain systems with unknown time-varying state delays and unmatched non-linear terms. The non-linearities are allowed to depend not only on the system output, but also on its unmeasurable state, and can be polynomial. This scheme is based on model-reference unit vector control under a mild Hurwitz condition for the high-frequency gain matrix. To achieve global stability properties, the amplitude of the control signal is given by a norm observer for the unmeasured state. For the first time, the design of norm observers is applied to a class of time-delay systems. This approach guarantees finite-time convergence of the output-tracking error to zero. Simulation results illustrate the application of the developed control scheme.