Assignment of infinite structure to an open-loop system. (Q1426305)

The authors give the answer to the following question: given a pair of matrices \((A,B)\), which may not be controllable, can matrices \(C\) and \(D\) be chosen so that the transfer function matrix \(G(s) = D + C(sI_n - a)^{-1}B\) has the prescribed structure at infinity? The result is that there exist such matrices \(C\) and \(D\) if and only if the infinite structure of the transfer function satisfies some conditions related only to the controllability indices of \((A,B)\). This means, among other things, that only the controllable part of the pair is involved in the solution and the finite structure of \((A,B)\), that is, its non-controllable part does not play any role at all.