A review of methods for input/output selection

Control system design involves input/output (IO) selection, that is. decisions on the number, the place, and the type of actuators and sensors. The choice of inputs and outputs affects the performance, complexity, and costs of the control system. Due to the combinatorial nature of the selection problem, systematic methods are needed to complement one's intuition. experience, and physical insight. This paper reviews the currently known IO selection methods, which aids the control engineer in picking a suitable method for the problem at hand. The methods are grouped according to the control system property that is addressed and applications are grouped according to the considered control systems. A set of criteria is proposed that a good IO selection method should possess. It is used to assess and compare the methods and it could be used as a guideline for new methods. The state of the art in IO selection is sketched and directions for further research are mentioned. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.