On the accuracy of parameter estimation for continuous time nonlinear systems from sampled data

Abstract

This paper deals with the issue of estimating the parameters in a continuous-time nonlinear dynamical model from sampled data. We focus on the issue of bias-variance trade-offs. In particular, we show that the bias error can be significantly reduced by using a particular form of sampled data model based on truncated Taylor series. This model retains the conceptual simplicity of models based on Euler integration but has much improved accuracy as a function of the sampled period.