Assessment of controllability-observability from the impedance matrix (Q5950133)

Linear systems with \(m\) inputs and \(m\) outputs described by transfer function models are considered. The controllability from the different inputs and the observability from the different outputs are investigated. Problems arising with the conventional approach to controllability and observability are discussed. A series decomposition of the \(m\times m\) transfer function matrix is proposed. Controllability-observability properties can be obtained from the structure of this series decomposition. The new approach is illustrated by a numerical example. As an application, a wind tunnel model with two inputs and two outputs is described.