Discussion on: “Multi-layer Switching Control using Generalized Sampled-data Hold Functions”

In the paper under discussion, the authors consider the problem of designing switching controllers for plants that are subject to large levels of uncertainty or to abrupt changes in their dynamics. There has been a great deal of interest in this problem in the recent past [7,2], and the potential applications of switching controllers are numerous. For instance, one approach to the design of fault-tolerant systems [3,4] is to construct models and controllers for the various operating conditions corresponding to different system malfunctions. Once the correct plant has been identified, the associated controller is switched on. Of course, in order for this type of scheme to be practical, it is vitally important to be able to identify the correct plant as quickly and efficiently as possible, and to minimise any transient effects which may result from switching to incorrect controllers during the identification process.