Parameter sensitivity in linear systems. A controllability viewpoint

A controllability approach is applied to design low-order-sensitivity models for canonical-form linear time-varying systems. A necessary and sufficient condition is established for the minimum number of integrators required to generate the sensitivity functions of the state to parameter variations. Synthesis of the resulting minimalorder-sensitivity models is mentioned. For constant systems, this criterion reduces to the complete simultaneity property of Wilkie and Perkins.1 Examples are provided to illustrate both the key ideas and applications of the results.