Output-feedback finite-time stabilization of disturbed feedback linearizable nonlinear systems

A novel methodology for designing multivariable High-Order Sliding-Mode (HOSM) controllers for disturbed feedback linearizable nonlinear systems is introduced. It provides for the finite-time stabilization of the origin of the state-space by using output feedback. Only the additional assumptions of algebraic strong observability and smooth enough matched disturbances are required. The control problem is solved in two consecutive steps: firstly, designing an observer based on the measured output and, secondly, designing of a full-state controller computed from a new virtual output with vector relative degree. The introduced notion of algebraic strong observability allows recovering the state of the system using the measured output and its derivatives. By estimating the required derivatives through the HOSM differentiator, a finite-time convergent observer is constructed.