Distributed Control of Linear Multi-Channel Systems

Abstract: A solution is given to the basic distributed feedback control problem for a multi-channel linear system assuming only that the system is jointly controllable, jointly observable and has an associated neighbor graph which is strongly connected. The solution is an observer-based control system which is implemented in a distributed manner. Using these ideas, a solution is also given to the distributed set-point control problem for a multi-channel linear system in which each and every agent with access to the system is able to independently adjust its controlled output to any desired set-point value. An example is given to briefly illustrate how network transmission delays might be dealt with.