The state space approach to modeling, also known as the time domain approach, is a helpful way of representing systems even with non-zero initial conditions.

General State-Space Representation

Assumptions:

  • Time is greater than or equal to the initial time ( )
  • Initial conditions

Where:

Steps for Finding the State Space Representation given an Electrical Network

  1. Assign a label to all branch currents.
  2. Determine the state variables using the derivative equations drawn from energy storing elements.
  3. Take advantage of Kirchhoff’s laws to compute for the required currents and voltages. Replace the currents of non-energy storing elements using Ohm’s law.
  4. Use the resulting equations from step 3 and substitute it to the equations found in step 2.
  5. Use the previous values and substitute them into the , the system matrix , the state vector , the input matrix , and the input vector .
  6. Write the output equations.