The effect of prefilter design on sample rate selection in digital flight control systems

The effect of prefilters on sample rate selection is examined and design procedures are determined for obtaining the best combination of prefilter breakpoint and sample rate. The employed approach involves a quantitative comparison of the output noise response of systems originating from the same basic plant and designed over a wide range of prefilters and sample rates. Each system design was carefully tailored so that it exhibited approximately identical responses to commands. The results presented augment the criteria for sample rate selection which have been discussed by Powell and Katz (1975). Attention is given to system characteristics, an integrator as a plant, and the short period motion of the F-8 aircraft.