Volterra Kernel Identification using Regularized Orthonormal Basis Functions

Abstract: The Volterra series is a powerful tool in modelling a broad range of nonlinear dynamic systems. However, due to its nonparametric nature, the number of parameters in the series increases rapidly with memory length and series order, with the uncertainty in resulting model estimates increasing accordingly. In this paper, we propose an identification method where the Volterra kernels are estimated indirectly through orthonormal basis function expansions, with regularization applied directly to the expansion coefficients to reduce variance in the final model estimate and provide access to useful models at previously unfeasible series orders. The higher dimensional kernel expansions are regularized using a method that allows smoothness and decay to be imposed on the entire hyper-surface. Numerical examples demonstrate improved Volterra series estimation up to the 4th order using the regularized basis function method.