Robust global stabilization of a class of uncertain feedforward nonlinear systems

The problem of global asymptotically stabilizing a certain class of uncertain feedforward nonlinear systems is considered. The control law is obtained by nesting saturation functions whose amplitude can be rendered arbitrarily small. With respect to previous works on the subject the design procedure is able to deal with uncertain (possibly time-varying) parameters ranging within the prescribed compact sets which can affect also the linear approximation of the system. The small gain theorem for nonlinear systems which are input to state stable "with restrictions" is shown to be a key tool for designing a state feedback saturated control law. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.