Control system design subject to SNR constraints

This paper deals with networked control systems comprising LTI plants controlled over scalar additive noise channels subject to signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) constraints. We present a general framework, based upon convex optimization concepts, that can accommodate several situations of interest. Our results make explicit the fact that exploiting feedback around the channel plays a key role in reducing the minimal SNR that is compatible with stability. The results also provide a characterization of the best achievable performance subject to an SNR constraint. We apply the results to specific networked control architectures, and provide a numerical example.