Structural Controllability of Switched Linear Systems with Symmetric Constraints

Structural controllability is a generalization of the traditional concept of controllability in dynamic systems. It is based on the interconnection between non-zero terms in the system matrix. It provides information on system controllability without relying on the specific system parameters by combining it with the knowledge of graph theory. Unlike previous assumptions that most non-zero elements are independent of each other, the structural controllability of switched linear systems with symmetric constraints is investigated in this study. Herein, the definitions of the stem, bud, and cactus on undirected graphs are extended, and the generality of structural controllability in systems is discussed. Combined with the definition of joint undirected graphs, the geometric criteria for structural controllability of switched linear systems with symmetric constraints are provided.