On the identification of continuous-time multivariable systems from samples of input-output data (Q809036)

A scheme is presented for identifying the parameters of a continuous-time multivariable system from the samples of the input-output data. It utilizes approximate integration of the state equations, assuming that the inputs to the system vary linearly between the sampling instants. From the data, first the parameters of an equivalent discrete-time model are determined. These are then transformed to obtain the corresponding continuous-time model. The authors refer to their approach as ramp- invariant; in contradistinction with the traditional step-invariant model. The paper provides a numerical example to demonstrate the approach. Based on the example, the authors claim in the conclusion section that their ramp-invariant model is a more ``effective'' approach to the posed identification problem. It is not clear to this reviewer what the authors mean by that. A clear criterion for comparison is not stated, and thus the trade-offs to be made for selecting their approach cannot be evaluated. It seems interesting to compare the approach in terms of its robustness and numerical stability. Some minor remarks: 1) the paper refers to figures 1, 2 (p. 206), but there is only one figure on p. 208; 2) the part of the left column on p. 204 below Eq. (19) should be switched with the upper part of that column.