Abstract

This paper is devoted to the analysis of linear second order discrete-time descriptor systems (or singular difference equations (SiDEs) with control). Following the algebraic approach proposed by Kunkel and Mehrmann for pencils of matrix valued functions, first we present a theoretical framework based on a procedure of reduction to analyze solvability of initial value problems for SiDEs, which is followed by the analysis of descriptor systems. We also describe methods to analyze structural properties related to the solvability analysis of these systems. Namely, two numerical algorithms for reduction to the so-called strangeness-free forms are presented. Two associated index notions are also introduced and discussed. This work extends and complements some recent results for high order continuous-time descriptor systems and first order discrete-time descriptor systems.