Robust output tracking, disturbance attenuation and synchronization for a class of Lur’e systems: a high-gain, fractional-order control approach

Abstract This paper addresses the problem of output tracking and unknown disturbances attenuation for a class of nonlinear systems. The class consists of a forward path, containing a linear, time-invariant element, and a feedback path containing a sector-bounded nonlinearity. Under some hypotheses on the frequency response of the linear part of the plant, a high-gain fractional-order controller is proposed that guarantees the absolute stability of the system and the fulfilment of the requested performance. The proposed approach is then used to address the problem of output synchronization for chaotic systems.