In nonlinear control and stability theory, the circle criterion is a stability criterion for nonlinear time-varying systems. It can be viewed as a generalization of the Nyquist stability criterion for linear time-invariant (LTI) systems.

Overview edit

Consider a linear system subject to non-linear feedback, i.e. a non linear element   is present in the feedback loop. Assume that the element satisfies a sector condition  , and (to keep things simple) that the open loop system is stable. Then the closed loop system is globally asymptotically stable if the Nyquist locus does not penetrate the circle having as diameter the segment   located on the x-axis.

General description edit

Consider the nonlinear system

 
 
 

Suppose that

  1.  
  2.   is stable
  3.  

Then   such that for any solution of the system the following relation holds:

 

Condition 3 is also known as the frequency condition. Condition 1 the sector condition.

External links edit

References edit

  • Haddad, Wassim M.; Chellaboina, VijaySekhar (2011). Nonlinear Dynamical Systems and Control: a Lyapunov-Based Approach. Princeton University Press. ISBN 9781400841042.