Sliding mode control design principles and applications to electric drives

The paper deals with the basic concepts, mathematics, and design aspects of variable structure systems as well as sliding modes as a principle operation mode. The main arguments in favor of sliding mode control are order reduction, decoupling design procedure, disturbance rejection, insensitivity to parameter variations, and simple implementation by means of power converters. The control algorithms and data processing used in variable structure systems are analyzed. The potential of sliding mode control methodology is demonstrated for versatility of electric drives and functional goals of control.