Methods for robust parametric control require a physical plant model. The result of the modeling may be a state-space representation or a transfer function dependent on some uncertain parameters q = [q1 q2 .... qp]T. Adding a controller also introduces some controller parameters k = [k1 k2 .... km]T. Due to this parametric representation of control systems the manipulation of system equations gets challenging and cannot be accomplished using pure numerical programs. This fact certainly has been deterring many control engineers from applying such methods. The rapid development of computer algebra programs in the last years and their fast distribution, however, suggested the development of tools for robust parametric control system design.
PARADISE combines numerical as well as symbolic computation as illustrated in the figure. Numerical computations are executed in MATLAB, symbolic computations are performed using the Extended Symbolic Toolbox for MATLAB. Plant and controller structure can be easily specified with MATLAB Simulink. Starting from here PARADISE automatically calculates the symbolic representation of the control system which is used for all algorithms implemented in PARADISE.
As a result PARADISE is an efficient and flexible tool for analysis and design of robust control systems. Curious about PARADISE? Then come on and join the tour.