Robust stability analysis of uncertain linear positive systems via integral linear constraints: L1- and L∞-gain characterizations

Copositive Lyapunov functions are used along with dissipativity theory for stability analysis of uncertain linear positive systems. At the difference of standard results, linear supply-rates are employed for robustness and performance analysis and lead to L₁- and L_∞-gain characterizations. This naturally guides to the definition of Integral Linear Constraints (ILCs) for the characterization of input-output nonnegative uncertainties. It turns out that these integral linear constraints can be linked to the Laplace domain, in order to be tuned adequately, by exploiting the L₁-norm and input/output signals properties. This dual viewpoint allows to prove that the static-gain of the uncertainties, only, is critical for stability. This fact provides a new explanation for the surprising stability properties of linear positive time-delay systems. The obtained stability and performance analysis conditions are expressed in terms of (robust) linear programming problems that are transformed into finite dimensional ones using the Handelman´s Theorem. Several examples are provided for illustration.