The incremental phase plane for nonlinear sampled data systems

An analysis technique for nonlinear sampled data systems is developed, using the incremental phase plane. This method is analogous to the phase plane method for continuous systems. A sampled data system with saturation is analyzed to demonstrate the use of the incremental phase plane in system analysis. Path tangent curves are introduced which allow the graphical solution of systems with more general types of nonlinearities. A difference equation analog of Van der Pol´s equation is solved using the path tangent curves.