Multi-interval generalized holds and higher-order discrete-time models

This paper investigates two aspects in the design and the numerical simulations of digital control systems: discrete-time system order as a function of the generalized hold, and conditions on a class of multi-interval hold devices to obtain higher-order discrete-time models of a continuous-time system. The role of the generalized hold with respect to system order and the behavior of a discretctime model as the sampling period approaches zero is clarified. An example illustrates the concepts developed in the paper.