THE CHARACTERIZATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF SYSTEMS.

Abstract : This report provides a fairly exhaustive survey of deterministic models for the characterization of systems and of the techniques available for the subsequent identification of some physical system in terms of each of the various classes of models. The term 'system' refers, in general, to a nonlinear system and the major emphasis of the report is thus upon nonlinear models and their identification requirements. Most of the ideas presented in this report are not new. However, many of them are not widely known in the engineering field and it was thus felt desirable to collect, organize, and present them as clearly as possible for the engineer. (Author)