New Method for Automatic QFT Loop-Shaping Using Genetic Algorithm and Linear Programming

Quantitative Feedback Theory (QFT) is one of most effective methods of robust controller design and can be considered as a suitable method for systems with parametric uncertainties. Particularly it allows us to obtain controllers less conservative than other methods like H∞ and μ-synthesis. In QFT method, we transform all the uncertainties and desired specifications to some boundaries in Nichols chart and then we have to find the nominal loop transfer function such that satisfies the boundaries and has the minimum high frequency gain. The major drawback of the QFT method is that there is no effective and useful method for finding this nominal loop transfer function. The usual approach to this problem involves loop-shaping in the Nichols chart by manipulating the poles and zeros of the nominal loop transfer function. This process now aided by recently developed computer aided design tools proceeds by trial and error and its success often depends heavily on the experience of the loop-shaper. Thus for the novice and First time QFT user, there is a genuine need for an automatic loop-shaping tool to generate a first-cut solution. In this paper, we approach the automatic QFT loop-shaping problem by using an algorithm involving Linear Programming (LP) techniques and Genetic Algorithm (GA).

Keywords:

Genetic Algorithm , Loop-Shaping , Linear Programming , Optimization , Quantitative Feedback Theory