Combined state estimation and A/D conversion with multipath tree coders

Concepts of optimal source coding, as developed in rate-distortion theory, are applied to the problems of feedback signal quantization and of process state estimation from quantized measurements. Tree coders are shown to have a real-time capability for providing a combined solution to these problems. The multipath feature of the estimator memory provides the additional benefit of increased robustness to bad data and unmodeled disturbances. Simulation results for an example control system indicate that significant performance improvements are possible with multipath quantizer/estimators as compared to the corresponding single path versions.