ABSTRACT
As the interest in many scientific fields increased, modeling systems using linear time-invariant differential equations and tools like transfer functions were not adequate. The state-space approach is superior to other classical methods of modeling. This modern approach can handle systems with nonzero initial conditions (modeling using transfer functions requires that initial conditions be set to zero), as well as time-variant systems. It can also handle linear and nonlinear systems. The state-space approach can handle multiple-input multiple-output systems. The state-space approach can also be used to represent or model linear time-invariant single-input/single-output systems. The chapter also discusses second-order systems along with identity matrix. It provides a general representation of the second-order systems in state space, general solution of state-space equations using the Laplace transform, and general solution of the state-space equations in real time.
