LMI optimization approach to robust H∞ observer design and static output feedback stabilization for discrete-time nonlinear uncertain systems

A new approach for the design of robust H-infinity observers for a class of Lipschitz nonlinear systems with time-varying uncertainties is proposed based on linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). The admissible Lipschitz constant of the system and the disturbance attenuation level are maximized simultaneously through convex multiobjective optimization. The resulting H-infinity observer guarantees asymptotic stability of the estimation error dynamics and is robust against nonlinear additive uncertainty and time-varying parametric uncertainties. Explicit norm-wise and element-wise bounds on the tolerable nonlinear uncertainty are derived. Also, a new method for the robust output feedback stabilization with H-infinity performance for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems is proposed. Our solution is based on a noniterative LMI optimization and is less restrictive than the existing solutions. The bounds on the nonlinear uncertainty and multiobjective optimization obtained for the observer are also applicable to the proposed static output feedback stabilizing controller. Copyright (C) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.