Decentralized adaptive neural safe tracking control for nonlinear systems with conflicted output constraints

The issue of decentralized adaptive safe tracking control for interconnected large-scale nonlinear systems (ILSNSs) with conflicted output constraints is discussed in this paper. By "conflicted output constraints", we mean that the output constraint functions conflict with reference signal, i.e., the reference signal is not completely constrained within the constraint range. In existing methods, it is always assumed that the reference signal is constrained within the constraint region. In practice, the constraints may be detected during system operation and conflict with the reference signal given in advance. In this particular case, the existing methods based on barrier Lyapunov function (BLF) or nonlinear transformation function (NTF) are invalid. From a new point of view, this article designs a new safety reference signal (SRS) which is completely restricted within the constraint range by using the boundary protection approach. Meanwhile, a prescribed performance function which can arbitrarily define the convergence time and tracking accuracy is introduced so that the system output can better track the SRS. Then, combining backstepping technique and radial basis function neural network (RBFNN), a new controller is constructed, under which a desired tracking trajectory can be obtained under the premise of ensuring safety performance. Furthermore, by adding a dynamic event triggering mechanism (DETM) between the actuator and the plant, the communication burden is effectively reduced. Simulation results verify the scheme developed.