Discontinuous control systems are one of the most important and oldest types of nonlinear systems; however, the available methods of analysis of their input-output properties are based on the approximate describing function method, which narrows the application of existing techniques to systems having good low-pass filtering properties. This book provides new insight on the problem of closed-loop performance and oscillations in discontinuous control systems, covering the class of systems that do not necessarily have low-pass filtering properties. The author provides a practical, yet rigorous and exact approach to analysis and design of discontinuous control systems via application of a novel frequency-domain tool: the locus of a perturbed relay system (LPRS).

LPRS theory is presented in detail beginning with basic concepts and progressing to computing formulas, algorithms, and MATLAB® code. As a result of LPRS properties such as exactness, simplicity, and convenience, many problems of analysis and design of discontinuous systems are solved easily by using the theory described. Presented are a number of practical examples applying the theory to analysis and design of discontinuous control systems from various branches of engineering, including electro-mechanical systems, process control, and electronics.

A few chapters of the book are devoted to frequency-domain theory of sliding mode control, which is presented as a special type of discontinuous control. LPRS analysis of the effects of chattering and nonideal closed-loop performance in sliding mode systems having parasitic dynamics, as well as the relationship of those effects with the ideal sliding mode, are given.

Discontinuous Control Systems is intended for readers who have knowledge of linear control theory and will be of interest to graduate students, researchers, and practicing engineers involved in systems analysis and design.