Relationships between Linear Dynamically Varying Systems and Jump Linear Systems

The connection between linear dynamically varying (LDV) systems and jump linear (JL) systems is explored. LDV systems have been used to model the error in nonlinear tracking problems. Some nonlinear systems, for example Axiom A systems, admit Markov partitions and their dynamics can be quantized as Markov chains. In this case the tracking error can be approximated by a JL system. It is shown that (i) JL controllers for arbitrarily fine partitions exist if and only if the LDV controller exists; (ii) the JL controller stabilizes the nonlinear dynamical system; (iii) JL controllers provide approximations of the LDV controller. Finally, it is shown that this process is robust against such errors in the probability structure as the inaccurate assumption that an easily constructed partition is Markov.