Sensor blending and control allocation for non-square linear systems to achieve negative imaginary dynamics

This paper deals with the design of static pre- and post- compensators to transform stable, non-square LTI systems into the class of strongly strict negative imaginary systems. The pre-compensator plays the role of a control allocator while the post-compensator does sensor blending in order to make a non-square system square along with satisfying the strongly strict negative imaginary property. A specific structure of the post-compensator is also given that guarantees a feasible solution of the LMI conditions when applied to systems with number of outputs greater than or equal to number of inputs. The proposed pre- and post- compensators can also stabilize a non-square plant in closed-loop upon satisfying a particular DC-gain condition and furthermore, they can be utilized to develop a simple constant input tracking framework for non-square systems. The LMI-based design methodology offers a numerically tractable solution framework and hence the easy implementation of the proposed scheme in practical applications. Illustrative examples are provided throughout the paper to demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed results in widening the scope of the negative imaginary theory to non-square LTI systems (e.g. safety-critical systems having redundant sensors and actuators).