Variable structure based robust backstepping controller design for nonlinear systems

This study presents robust control architecture in the sense of variable structure control via a backstepping design. By using systematic backstepping design techniques, closed-loop behavior of an n-order nonlinear system can be transformed into a stability and convergence problem of a fast switched 2nd order system. There are two main parts contained within the proposed control algorithm; one is a nominal control effort generated according to the Lyapunov stability criterion during recursive backstepping processes, and the other belongs to a smooth robust control law designed to eliminate the effects of unknown lumped perturbations. Finally, a Genesio system is used as an illustrated example to demonstrate the robustness of the control algorithm. The feasibility and properties of the proposed method are given by numerical simulations.