Recent Developments in Sliding Mode Control for Electric Drives: Performance Assessment, and Comparative Evaluation With Conventional Techniques

This comprehensive review article surveys the substantial body of research on sliding mode control (SMC) and its advanced variants for high-performance electric drive systems, including permanent magnet synchronous machines, linear induction machines, linear oscillatory machines, and switched reluctance machines. This article critically assesses the trajectory of SMC development, from its foundational principles to modern adaptations like terminal, super-twisting, and adaptive SMCs, which effectively address perennial challenges such as chattering and parameter sensitivity. A central theme explored is the seamless integration of SMC within established frameworks like field-oriented control, direct torque/thrust control, and model predictive control, highlighting synergistic performance benefits. Furthermore, the role of sliding mode observers in enabling robust sensorless operation and disturbance compensation is thoroughly examined. By synthesizing findings from a wide range of studies, this review not only provides a comparative analysis of SMC's performance against conventional methods but also offers insightful perspectives on emerging trends, unresolved challenges, and promising future research directions at the intersection of robust control and advanced electric drive systems.