On Sampling Time and Invariance

Abstract: Invariant sets define regions of the state space where system constraints are always satisfied. The majority of numerical techniques for computing invariant sets have been developed for discrete-time systems with a fixed sampling time. Understanding how invariant sets change with sampling time is critical for designing adaptive-sampling control schemes that ensure constraint satisfaction. We introduce M-step hold control invariance, a generalization of traditional control invariance, and show its practical use to assess the link between control sampling frequency and constraint satisfaction. We robustify M-step hold control invariance against model mismatches and discretization errors, paving the way for adaptive-sampling control strategies.