Optimal control of delay systems via block pulse functions

The concept of coefficient shift matrix is introduced to represent delay variables in block pulse series. The optimal control of a linear delay system with quadratic performance index is then studied via block pulse functions, which convert the problems into the minimization of a quadratic form with linear algebraic equation constraints. The solution of the two-point boundary-value problem with both delay and advanced arguments is circumvented. The control variable obtained is piecewise constant.