Neural Network-Based Nonconservative Predefined-Time Backstepping Control for Uncertain Strict-Feedback Nonlinear Systems

To handle the tracking problem of uncertain strict-feedback nonlinear systems with matched and mismatched composite disturbances, this article studies a predefined-time backstepping controller by resorting to a Lyapunov-based predefined-time dynamic paradigm, a regulation function, and neural networks (NNs). Moreover, an adding-absolute-value (ADV) technique is adopted in the design process to remove the control singularity. Theoretical analyses prove the boundedness of all closed-loop system signals and the predefined-time convergence of the tracking error into an arbitrarily small vicinity of the origin. The proposed controller exhibits four advantages: 1) the actual convergence time is precisely predefined by only one design parameter irrespective of the initial conditions, and the control energy is economized; 2) no unbounded terms are adopted for predefining the actual convergence time, thus avoiding numerical overflow problem under limited memory space and gaining strong noise-tolerant ability; 3) the peaking tracking error and control input magnitude can be effectively reduced by appropriately setting parameters of the regulation function; and 4) the controller is continuous and nonsingular everywhere. Finally, a practical example of a single-link manipulator is presented to validate the efficacy and superiority of our predefined-time controller.