Prescribed-Time Output-Feedback Tracking for Nonlinear Systems via a Novel Time-Varying Gain

Prescribed-time control utilizes time-varying gains, which increase indefinitely, to craft controllers that ensure system states reach a desired target precisely at the terminal time. So far, the time-varying gain can be given in a prescribed way, which, despite its apparent simplicity, makes the selection of other control parameters difficult and, as a consequence, complicates the stability analysis. In this study, we introduce an approach to prescribed-time tracking stabilization that involves innovative time-varying gains, facilitating a more refined stability analysis. Our proposed controllers require only the output signal of the system, have a very simple structure, rely on linear feedback, and do not involve any recursive computations. Simulation outcomes affirm the efficacy and advantages of our method, showcasing its potential for practical applications.