LMI-based consensus of linear multi-agent systems by reduced-order dynamic output feedback

This work proposes new conditions for consensus of homogeneous multi-agent systems subjected to exogenous disturbances in directed communication graphs by dynamic output feedback protocols. The agents under investigation are described as linear dynamics, and the communication network is such that each agent receives as information only the output of neighbor agents. The synchronization problem is rewritten as an output feedback stabilization without requiring the Laplacian matrix to be diagonalizable. As the main appeal, we propose new necessary and sufficient conditions for the design of dynamic output feedback controllers of arbitrary order – including static output feedback as a particular case – and sufficient Linear Matrix Inequalities (LMIs) for H∞ consensus. Numerical experiments illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. •New LMI conditions allowing the design of output protocols for MAS.•Design of dynamic protocols with no constraints in the order selection.•First procedure for any order output H∞ consensus protocol design for directed networks.