Minimal positive realizations for linear systems with two-different-pole transfer functions

Abstract

The minimal positive realization problem for linear systems is to find positive systems with a state space of minimal dimensions while keeping their transfer functions unchanged. Here the necessary and sufficient condition is established for the linear systems with third-order two-different-pole transfer functions to have a three-dimensional minimal positive realization by developing a new approach. The approach is to identify a canonical form of positive realizations with the help of polyhedral cone theory, and the identification consists of a sequential edge transformations with some invariant feature. The analyses are then successfully extended to the linear systems with general nth-order two-different-pole transfer functions. At the same time, the approach can also be used to generate infinitely many distinct minimal positive realizations for some linear systems.