A multiple model adaptive SVSF-KF estimation strategy

State estimation strategies play a critical role in obtaining accurate information about the state of dynamic systems as they develop. Such information can be important on its own and critical for precise and predictable control of such systems. The Kalman filter (KF) is a classic algorithm and among the most powerful tools in state estimation. The Kalman filter however can be sensitive to modeling uncertainty and sudden changes in system dynamics. The Smooth Variable Structure Filter (SVSF) is a relatively new estimation strategy that operates on variable structure concepts. In general, the SVSF has the advantage that is can be quite robust to modeling uncertainty and sudden fault conditions. Recent advancements to the SVSF, such as the addition of a covariance formulation, and the derivation of a time varying smoothing boundary layer (VBL), have allowed for combined SVSF – KF strategies. In a typical SVSF-KF approach, the VBL is used to detect the presence of a system fault, and switch from the more optimal KF gain to the more robust SVSF gain. While this approach has been proven effective in several cases, there are circumstances where the VBL will fail to indicate the presence of an ongoing fault. A new form of the SVSF-KF is proposed, based on the framework of the Multiple Model Adaptive Estimator.