A cut map algorithm for design problems with parameter tolerances

Abstract

The design problem of choosing a set of parameters so that inequality constraints are satisfied for a specified variation of parameter values about their nominal value, is considered. Such problems occur when systems must be synthesized from components whose values are only known to a certain tolerance. Simple algorithms exist for such problems when the constraints are convex. This paper presents an algorithm which is valid for the non-convex case, The algorithm utilizes concepts employed by Eaves and Zangwill in their generalized cutting plane algorithms.