Performance limitations in decentralized control

In decentralized control of multivariable systems. the system is decomposed into a number of subsystems and individual controllers are designed for each subsystem. Advantages of such decomposition include reduced modelling requirements and case of implementation. However, a potential disadvantage is a reduction in achievable control performance due to restricted controller structure. In this paper we consider performance limitations from non-minimum phase transmission zeros in decentralized control. In particular, we derive conditions on when closing the loop around one subsystem moves transmission zeros of other subsystems across the imaginary axis. Such zero crossings may occur regardless of the existence of non-minmum phase behavior in the open-loop system, and may, therefore, represent performance limitations specific to the use of decentralized controllers. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.