Asymptotic observers for non-linear systems

Observer design for non-linear systems is discussed. Some recent approaches are based on state and output change of coordinates to transform a non-linear system into a particular observer form, from which an asymptotic observer can be designed ensuring the asymptotic stability of the error dynamics in the new coordinates. In this paper, the stability properties of the error dynamics are studied in the original coordinates. With some examples, it is shown how the asymptotic stability in the new coordinates does not imply, in general, the asymptotic stability in the original ones. Some general results are stated and proved to guarantee the asymptotic stability of the error dynamics in the original coordinates. © 1992 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.