The fractional integrator as a control design element

It is a well-known fact that set-point following, in linear control systems, requires an integrator in the feedback loop. However, such an integrator introduces phase lag which may often have a destabilizing effect. A variety of options exist for adding lead to mediate this effect. In this paper we consider yet another option, a fractional integrator. We study possible implementations of the fractional integrator and the effect of such an element in achieving set-point following specifications.