Abstract
Our topic is the rational approximation of fractional order systems under Riemann–Liouville definition. This is a venerable, vast, fundamental area which attracts ongoing attention in coming years. In this work, the multiple fixed-pole scheme is developed. First, new schemes with different relative degree are developed to approximate fractional operators. Then, the fractional order is extended to the case of . A discussion is made on the uniformity between the differentiator-based method and the integrator-based method. Afterward, the multiplicity of pole/zero is further generalized. In this framework, the nonzero initial instant and nonzero initial state are considered. Four examples are finally provided to show the feasibility and effectiveness of the developed algorithms.