On robustness of predictor feedback control of linear systems with input delays

This paper is concerned with the robustness of the predictor feedback control of linear systems with input delays. By applying certain equivalent transformations on the characteristic equation associated with the closed-loop system, we first transform the robustness problem of a predictor feedback control system into the stability problem of a neutral time-delay system containing an integral operator in the derivative. The range of the allowable input delay for this neutral time-delay system can be computed by exploring its delay dependent stability conditions. In particular, delay dependent stability conditions for the neutral time-delay system are established by partitioning the delay into segments. The conservatism of this method can be reduced when the number of segments in the partition is increased. Numerical examples are worked out to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.