The robust H∞ control problem for discrete-time uncertain systems is investigated in this paper. The uncertain systems are modelled as a polytopic type with linear fractional uncertainty in the vertices. A new linear matrix inequality (LMI) characterization of the H∞ performance for discrete systems is given by introducing a matrix slack variable which decouples the matrix of a Lyapunov function candidate and the parametric matrices of the system. This feature enables one to derive sufficient conditions for discrete uncertain systems by using parameter-dependent Lyapunov functions with less conservativeness. Based on the result, H∞ performance analysis and controller design are carried out. A numerical example is included to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed results. The robust systems are modeled as a polytopic type with linear fractional uncertainty in the vertices. A new linear matrix inequality (LMI) characterization of the H∞ performance for discrete systems is given by introducing a matrix slack variable which decouples the matrix of a Lyapunov function candidate and the parametric matrices of the system. This feature enables one to derive sufficient conditions for discrete uncertain systems by using parameter-dependent Lyapunov functions with less conservativeness. Based on the result, H∞ performance analysis and controller design are carried out. A numerical example is included to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed results.