Semi-global asymptotic stability of a class of sampled-data nonlinear systems in output feedback form

The paper considers sampled-data output feedback control of a class of nonlinear systems in output feedback form. The underlying continuous-time controller is designed based on backstepping technique, employing a linear dynamic filter, and globally asymptotically stabilises the system. Rigorous analysis shows that when implemented with a sampling and zero-order hold device, the sampled-data version of the continuous-time controller semi-globally asymptotically stabilises the original system to be controlled, in the sense that the sampling period can be arbitrarily small.