Algebraic identification of a stable first-order plus time delay model from step response

Purpose - A fast identification algorithm for a linear monotonic process from a step response is proposed in this paper, from which the parameters of a first-order plus dead-time model can be obtained directly. Design/methodology/approach - The study is based on a non-asymptotic distributional estimation technique initiated without delay in the framework of systems. Such a technique leads to simple realization schemes, involving integrators, multipliers and piecewise polynomial or exponential time functions and shows a possible link between simultaneous identification and generalized eigenvalue problems. Thus, it allows for a real-time implementation. Findings - The effectiveness of the identification method has been demonstrated through a number of simulation examples and a real-time test. Originality/value - This paper presents a novel method to simultaneous delay and parameters identification of a stable first-order plus time delay model from step response that can model a widespread class of systems.