We study the class of linear differential-algebraic m-input m-output systems
which have a transfer function with proper inverse.
A sufficient condition for the transfer function to have proper inverse
it that the system has 'strict and non-positive relative degree'.
We present two main results:
First, a so called 'zero dynamics form' is derived: this form is - within the class of system equivalence - a simple "almost normal" form of the DAE; it is a counterpart to the well-known Byrnes-Isidori form for
ODE systems with strictly proper transfer function.
The 'zero dynamics form' is exploited to characterize structural properties such as
asymptotically stable zero dynamics,
minimum phase, and high-gain stabilizability.
The zero dynamics are characterized by (A,E,B)-invariant subspaces.
Secondly, it is shown that the 'funnel controller' (that is a static nonlinear output error feedback) achieves, for all DAE systems with asymptotically stable zero dynamics and transfer function with proper inverse, tracking of a reference signal by the output signal within a pre-specified funnel. This funnel determines the transient behaviour.
We consider linear differential-algebraic m-input m-output systems with positive
strict relative degree or proper inverse transfer function; in the single-input single-output case these
two disjoint classes make the whole of all linear DAEs without feedthrough term. Structural properties
- such as normal forms (i.e. the counterpart to the Byrnes-Isidori form for ODE systems), zero
dynamics, and high-gain stabilizability - are analyzed for two purposes: first, to gain insight into the
system classes and secondly, to solve the output regulation problem by funnel control. The funnel
controller achieves tracking of a class of reference signals within a pre-specified funnel; this means in
particular, the transient behaviour of the output error can be specified and the funnel controller does
neither incorporate any internal model for the reference signals nor any identification mechanism, it
is simple in its design. The results are illuminated by position and velocity control of a mechanical
system encompassing springs, masses, and dampers.
We introduce a behavioural approach to linear, time-varying, differential algebraic
(descriptor) systems. The analysis is \almost global" in the sense that the analysis is
not restricted to an interval I R but is allowed for the \time axis" RnT, where T is
a discrete set of critical points, at which the solution may exhibit a finite escape time.
Controllable, observable, autonomous, and adjoint behaviour for linear time-varying
descriptor systems is introduced and characterized.
We develop a behavioural approach to linear, time-varying, differential algebraic systems.
The analysis is \almost everywhere" in the sense that the statements hold on R T, where
T is a discrete set. Controllability, observability and autonomy is introduced and related to
the behaviour of the system. Classical results on the behaviour of time-invariant systems are
studied in the context of time-varying systems.