The characteristic sequences method for multivariable systems : a time domain approach to the characteristic locus method

Abstract

The aim of the present paper is to develop a time domain, input/output approach to the study of linear multivariable systems. This approach leads to the characteristic sequence method (CSM) which forms an extension of the characteristic locus method (CLM) to the time domain and it is envisaged that it should be used in a complementary manner to the CLM. The time domain setting is preferred because it enables the direct association of the design problem to actual system time responses. Furthermore in order to obtain a method which is well suited to use in direct digital control, the discrete time framework is selected. The input/output nature of the CSM, on the other hand, obviates the need for accurate model description ; the system data is assumed to be in the form of matrix weighting sequences (MWS) obtained from impulse response tests. For the purpose of assessing stability and performance the method relates the MWS to the characteristic properties of the system frequency response. This is achieved by ...