Rapprochement between continuous and discrete model reference adaptive control

Abstract In the literature to date there is a dichotomy between results on continuous- and discrete-time model reference control. This is highlighted in the case of continuous-time systems having relative degree greater than one. It is known that, for rapid sampling, these systems always give rise to a non-stably invertible discrete-time system and thus discrete model reference control is ruled out. On the other hand, there are many results pertaining to continuous-time model reference control of such systems. This apparent paradox can be resolved by a slight modification to the discrete-time model format as shown later. This alternative model is used to develop a new discrete model reference adaptive control law and a convergence analysis for the algorithm is presented.