Abstract: This paper studies a novel adaptive control strategy for a linear system with unknown parameters. To design a control law with perfective dynamic performance, a new model reference adaptive control system has been designed by constructing a fractional-order Lyapunov function, with the stability of the closed-loop system proved. An example’s simulation shows that the closed-loop system has the better dynamic performance such as less regulating time and less overshoot than by the traditional method.

Key words: fractional calculus, stability, fractional-order controller, model reference adaptive control