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State-Space Models

State-space models with free, canonical, and structured parameterizations; equivalent ARMAX and OE models

State-space models are models that use state variables to describe a system by a set of first-order differential or difference equations, rather than by one or more nth-order differential or difference equations. State variables x(t) can be reconstructed from the measured input-output data, but are not themselves measured during an experiment.

The state-space model structure is a good choice for quick estimation because it requires you to specify only one input, the model order, n. The model order is an integer equal to the dimension of x(t) and relates to, but is not necessarily equal to, the number of delayed inputs and outputs used in the corresponding linear difference equation.

It is often easier to define a parameterized state-space model in continuous time because physical laws are most often described in terms of differential equations. In continuous-time, the state-space description has the following form:

x˙(t)=Fx(t)+Gu(t)+K˜w(t)y(t)=Hx(t)+Du(t)+w(t)x(0)=x0

The matrices F, G, H, and D contain elements with physical significance—for example, material constants. x0 specifies the initial states.

You can estimate continuous-time state-space model using both time-domain and frequency-domain data.

The discrete-time state-space model structure is often written in the innovations form that describes noise:

x(kT+T)=Ax(kT)+Bu(kT)+Ke(kT)y(kT)=Cx(kT)+Du(kT)+e(kT)x(0)=x0

where T is the sample time, u(kT) is the input at time instant kT, and y(kT) is the output at time instant kT.

You cannot estimate a discrete-time state-space model using continuous-time frequency-domain data.

For more information, see What Are State-Space Models?

Apps

System IdentificationIdentify models of dynamic systems from measured data

Live Editor Tasks

Estimate State-Space ModelEstimate state-space model using time or frequency data in the Live Editor

Functions

expand all

idssState-space model with identifiable parameters
ssestEstimate state-space model using time-domain or frequency-domain data
ssregestEstimate state-space model by reduction of regularized ARX model
n4sidEstimate state-space model using subspace method with time-domain or frequency-domain data
pemPrediction error minimization for refining linear and nonlinear models
delayestEstimate time delay (dead time) from data
findstatesEstimate initial states of model
ssformQuick configuration of state-space model structure
initSet or randomize initial parameter values
idparCreate parameter for initial states and input level estimation
idssdataState-space data of identified system
getpvecObtain model parameters and associated uncertainty data
setpvecModify values of model parameters
getparObtain attributes such as values and bounds of linear model parameters
setparSet attributes such as values and bounds of linear model parameters
ssestOptionsOption set for ssest
ssregestOptionsOption set for ssregest
n4sidOptionsOption set for n4sid
findstatesOptionsOption set for findstates

Topics

State-Space Model Basics

What Are State-Space Models?

State-space models are models that use state variables to describe a system by a set of first-order differential or difference equations, rather than by one or more nth-order differential or difference equations.

State-Space Model Estimation Methods

Choose between noniterative subspace methods, iterative method that uses prediction error minimization algorithm, and noniterative method.

Estimate State-Space Model With Order Selection

To estimate a state-space model, you must provide a value of its order, which represents the number of states.

Canonical State-Space Realizations

Modal, companion, observable and controllable canonical state-space models.

Data Supported by State-Space Models

You can use time-domain and frequency-domain data that is real or complex and has single or multiple outputs.

Estimate State-Space Models

Estimate State-Space Models in System Identification App

Import data into the System Identification app.

Estimate State-Space Models at the Command Line

Perform black-box or structured estimation.

Estimate State-Space Models with Canonical Parameterization

Canonical parameterization represents a state-space system in a reduced parameter form where many elements of A, B and C matrices are fixed to zeros and ones.

Estimate State-Space Equivalent of ARMAX and OE Models

This example shows how to estimate ARMAX and OE-form models using the state-space estimation approach.

Estimate State-Space Models with Free-Parameterization

The default parameterization of the state-space matrices A, B, C, D, and K is free; that is, any elements in the matrices are adjustable by the estimation routines.

Use State-Space Estimation to Reduce Model Order

Reduce the order of a Simulink® model by linearizing the model and estimating a lower-order model that retains model dynamics.

Structured Estimation, Innovations Form

Estimate State-Space Models with Structured Parameterization

Structured parameterization lets you exclude specific parameters from estimation by setting these parameters to specific values.

Identifying State-Space Models with Separate Process and Measurement Noise Descriptions

An identified linear model is used to simulate and predict system outputs for given input and noise signals.

Set State-Space model Options

Supported State-Space Parameterizations

System Identification Toolbox™ software supports the following parameterizations that indicate which parameters are estimated and which remain fixed at specific values:

Specifying Initial States for Iterative Estimation Algorithms

When you estimate state-space models, you can specify how the algorithm treats initial states.

System Identification Toolbox Documentation

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