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:
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:
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?
System Identification | Identify models of dynamic systems from measured data |
Estimate State-Space Model | Estimate state-space model using time or frequency data in the Live Editor |
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 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.
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.
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.