Small-gain stability theorems for positive Lur’e inclusions

Abstract

Stability results are presented for a class of differential and difference inclusions, so-called positive Lur’e inclusions which arise, for example, as the feedback interconnection of a linear positive system with a positive set-valued static nonlinearity. We formulate sufficient conditions in terms of weighted one-norms, reminiscent of the small-gain condition, which ensure that the zero equilibrium enjoys various global stability properties, including asymptotic and exponential stability. We also consider input-to-state stability, familiar from nonlinear control theory, in the context of forced positive Lur’e inclusions. Typical for the study of positive systems, our analysis benefits from comparison arguments and linear Lyapunov functions. The theory is illustrated with examples.