tf

Transfer function model

Description

Use tf to create real-valued or complex-valued transfer function models, or to convert dynamic system models to transfer function form.

Transfer functions are a frequency-domain representation of linear time-invariant systems. For instance, consider a continuous-time SISO dynamic system represented by the transfer function sys(s) = N(s)/D(s), where s = jw and N(s) and D(s) are called the numerator and denominator polynomials, respectively. The tf model object can represent SISO or MIMO transfer functions in continuous time or discrete time.

You can create a transfer function model object either by specifying its coefficients directly, or by converting a model of another type (such as a state-space model ss) to transfer-function form. For more information, see Transfer Functions.

You can also use tf to create generalized state-space (genss) models or uncertain state-space (uss (Robust Control Toolbox)) models.

Creation

Syntax

sys = tf(numerator,denominator)

sys = tf(numerator,denominator,ts)

sys = tf(numerator,denominator,ltiSys)

sys = tf(m)

sys = tf(___,PropertyName=Value)

sys = tf(ltiSys)

sys = tf(ltiSys,Name=Value)

sys = tf(ltiSys,component)

s = tf('s')

z = tf('z',ts)

Description

Create Transfer Function Model

sys = tf(numerator,denominator) creates a continuous-time transfer function model, setting the Numerator and Denominator properties. For instance, consider a continuous-time SISO dynamic system represented by the transfer function sys(s) = N(s)/D(s), the input arguments numerator and denominator are the coefficients of N(s) and D(s), respectively.

sys = tf(numerator,denominator,ts) creates a discrete-time transfer function model, setting the Numerator, Denominator, and Ts properties. For instance, consider a discrete-time SISO dynamic system represented by the transfer function sys(z) = N(z)/D(z), the input arguments numerator and denominator are the coefficients of N(z) and D(z), respectively. To leave the sample time unspecified, set ts input argument to -1.

sys = tf(numerator,denominator,ltiSys) creates a transfer function model with properties inherited from the dynamic system model ltiSys, including the sample time.

sys = tf(m) creates a transfer function model that represents the static gain, m.

sys = tf(___,PropertyName=Value) sets properties of the transfer function model using one or more property name-value arguments for any of the previous input-argument combinations.

Convert To Transfer Function Model

sys = tf(ltiSys) converts the dynamic system model ltiSys to a transfer function model.

sys = tf(ltiSys,Name=Value) obtains a truncated transfer function representation of the sparse model ltiSys by computing zeros and poles based on one or more specified name-value arguments. Because this method calculates zeros for each input-output pair, it is most suitable for models with small input-output sizes. (since R2025a)

sys = tf(ltiSys,component) converts the specified component of ltiSys to transfer function form. Use this syntax only when ltiSys is an identified linear time-invariant (LTI) model.

Create Variable for Rational Expression

s = tf('s') creates special variable s that you can use in a rational expression to create a continuous-time transfer function model. Using a rational expression can sometimes be easier and more intuitive than specifying polynomial coefficients.

z = tf('z',ts) creates special variable z that you can use in a rational expression to create a discrete-time transfer function model. To leave the sample time unspecified, set ts input argument to -1.

Input Arguments

numerator — Numerator coefficients of the transfer function

row vector | Ny-by-Nu cell array of row vectors

Numerator coefficients of the transfer function, specified as:

• A row vector of polynomial coefficients.

• An Ny-by-Nu cell array of row vectors to specify a MIMO transfer function, where Ny is the number of outputs, and Nu is the number of inputs.

When you create the transfer function, specify the numerator coefficients in order of descending power. For instance, if the transfer function numerator is 3s^2-4s+5, then specify numerator as [3 -4 5]. For a discrete-time transfer function with numerator 2z-1, set numerator to [2 -1].

Also a property of the tf object. For more information, see Numerator.

denominator — Denominator coefficients of the transfer function

row vector | Ny-by-Nu cell array of row vectors

Denominator coefficients, specified as:

• A row vector of polynomial coefficients.

• An Ny-by-Nu cell array of row vectors to specify a MIMO transfer function, where Ny is the number of outputs and Nu is the number of inputs.

When you create the transfer function, specify the denominator coefficients in order of descending power. For instance, if the transfer function denominator is 7s^2+8s-9, then specify denominator as [7 8 -9]. For a discrete-time transfer function with denominator 2z^2+1, set denominator to [2 0 1].

Also a property of the tf object. For more information, see Denominator.

ts — Sample time

scalar

Sample time, specified as a scalar. Also a property of the tf object. For more information, see Ts.

ltiSys — Dynamic system

dynamic system model | model array

Dynamic system, specified as a SISO or MIMO dynamic system model or array of dynamic system models. Dynamic systems that you can use include:

• Continuous-time or discrete-time numeric LTI models, such as tf, zpk, ss, or pid models.

  If ltiSys is a sparse state-space model (sparss or mechss), the software computes a truncated transfer function approximation by computing poles and zeros in a specified frequency band of focus. For sparse models, use the name-value arguments to specify computation options. If you do not specify any options, the software computes up to the first 1000 poles and zeros with smallest magnitude. Additionally, obtaining this approximation is applicable only for models with a valid sparss representation. (since R2025a)

• Generalized or uncertain LTI models such as genss or uss (Robust Control Toolbox) models. (Using uncertain models requires Robust Control Toolbox™ software.)

  The resulting transfer function assumes

  • current values of the tunable components for tunable control design blocks.

  • nominal model values for uncertain control design blocks.

• Identified LTI models, such as idtf (System Identification Toolbox), idss (System Identification Toolbox), idproc (System Identification Toolbox), idpoly (System Identification Toolbox), and idgrey (System Identification Toolbox) models. To select the component of the identified model to convert, specify component. If you do not specify component, tf converts the measured component of the identified model by default. (Using identified models requires System Identification Toolbox™ software.)

m — Static gain

scalar | matrix

Static gain, specified as a scalar or matrix. Static gain or steady state gain of a system represents the ratio of the output to the input under steady state condition.

component — Component of identified model

'measured' (default) | 'noise' | 'augmented'

Component of identified model to convert, specified as one of the following:

• 'measured' — Convert the measured component of sys.

• 'noise' — Convert the noise component of sys

• 'augmented' — Convert both the measured and noise components of sys.

component only applies when sys is an identified LTI model.

For more information on identified LTI models and their measured and noise components, see Identified LTI Models.

Name-Value Arguments

Specify optional pairs of arguments as Name1=Value1,...,NameN=ValueN, where Name is the argument name and Value is the corresponding value. Name-value arguments must appear after other arguments, but the order of the pairs does not matter.

Example: sys = tf(sparseSys,Focus=[0 100],Display="off")

UseParallel — Option to perform computation in parallel

"off" (default) | "auto" | "on"

Since R2025a

Option to perform zero-pole computations in parallel using a parallel pool of workers, specified as one of these values:

• "off" — Run in serial on the MATLAB^® client. Enabling parallel computing may result in improved performance during zero-pole computation. However, even with UseParallel set to "off", the algorithm can use built-in multithreading to make best use of the local resources. For more information, see MATLAB Multicore.

• "auto" — Use a parallel pool if one is open or if MATLAB can automatically create one. If a parallel pool is not available, run in serial on the MATLAB client.

• "on" — Use a parallel pool if one is open or if MATLAB can automatically create one. If a parallel pool is not available, throw an error.

If you do not have a parallel pool open and automatic pool creation is enabled, MATLAB opens a pool using the default cluster profile. To use a parallel pool to run computations in MATLAB, you must have Parallel Computing Toolbox™. For more information, see Run MATLAB Functions with Automatic Parallel Support (Parallel Computing Toolbox).

Before R2026a: To run in parallel , set UseParallel to true (1).

RollOff — Roll-off slope

0 (default) | nonpositive scalar | matrix

Since R2025a

Roll-off slope, specified as a nonpositive scalar or matrix.

• Use a scalar value for SISO models or when the slope is uniform for all input-output pairs for MIMO models.

• Use a matrix when the slope is different for each input-output pair for MIMO models.

This option allows you to explicitly specify how the approximation should roll-off past the specified frequency range. For example, Slope of -2 ensures the gain rolls off at a rate of at least –40 dB/decade (the roll-off rate of 1/s²) beyond fmax.

Focus — Frequency range of interest

[0 Inf] (default) | vector

Since R2025a

Frequency range of interest, specified as a vector of form [0,fmax]. When you specify a frequency range of focus, the software computes only the poles with natural frequency in this range. For discrete-time models, the software approximates the equivalent natural frequency through Tustin transform.

Since tf computes all poles and zeros in the specified frequency range, you typically specify a low-frequency range to limit computing a large number of poles and zeros. By default, the focus is unspecified ([0 Inf]) and the algorithm computes up to MaxNumber poles and zeros.

MaxNumber — Maximum number of poles and zeros to compute

1000 (default) | positive integer

Since R2025a

Maximum number of poles and zeros to compute, specified as a positive integer. This value limits the number of poles and zeros computed by the algorithm and the order of the approximation of the original sparse model.

Shift — Spectral shift

0 (default) | finite scalar

Since R2025a

Spectral shift, specified as a finite scalar.

The software computes poles with the natural frequency in the specified range [0,fmax] using inverse power iterations for A-sigma*E, which obtains eigenvalues closest to the shift sigma. When A is singular and sigma is zero, the algorithm fails as no inverse exists. Therefore, for sparse models with integral action (s = 0 or at z = 1 for discrete-time models), you can use this option to implicitly shift poles or zeros to the value closest to this shift value. Specify a shift value that is not equal to an existing pole or zero value of the original model.

Tolerance — Accuracy of computed poles and zeros

1e-12 (default) | positive finite scalar

Since R2025a

Tolerance for accuracy of computed poles zeros, specified as a positive finite scalar. This value controls the convergence of computed eigenvalues in inverse power iterations.

Display — Show or hide progress report

"on" (default) | "off"

Since R2025a

Show or hide progress report, specified as either "off" or "on".

Output Arguments

sys — Output system model

tf model object | genss model object | uss model object

Output system model, returned as:

• A transfer function (tf) model object, when numerator and denominator input arguments are numeric arrays. sys is always a tf model object when converting ltiSys to tf model type.

• A generalized state-space model (genss) object, when the numerator or denominator input arguments includes tunable parameters, such as realp parameters or generalized matrices (genmat). For an example, see Tunable Low-Pass Filter.

• An uncertain state-space model (uss) object, when the numerator or denominator input arguments includes uncertain parameters. Using uncertain models requires Robust Control Toolbox software. For an example, see Transfer Function with Uncertain Coefficients (Robust Control Toolbox).

Properties

Numerator — Numerator coefficients

row vector | Ny-by-Nu cell array of row vectors

Numerator coefficients, specified as:

• A row vector of polynomial coefficients in order of descending power (for Variable values 's', 'z', 'p', or 'q') or in order of ascending power (for Variable values 'z^-1' or 'q^-1').

• An Ny-by-Nu cell array of row vectors to specify a MIMO transfer function, where Ny is the number of outputs and Nu is the number of inputs. Each element of the cell array specifies the numerator coefficients for a given input/output pair. If you specify both Numerator and Denominator as cell arrays, they must have the same dimensions.

The coefficients of Numerator can be either real-valued or complex-valued.

Denominator — Denominator coefficients

row vector | Ny-by-Nu cell array of row vectors

Denominator coefficients, specified as:

• A row vector of polynomial coefficients in order of descending power (for values Variable values 's', 'z', 'p', or 'q') or in order of ascending power (for Variable values 'z^-1' or 'q^-1').

• An Ny-by-Nu cell array of row vectors to specify a MIMO transfer function, where Ny is the number of outputs and Nu is the number of inputs. Each element of the cell array specifies the numerator coefficients for a given input/ output pair. If you specify both Numerator and Denominator as cell arrays, they must have the same dimensions.

If all SISO entries of a MIMO transfer function have the same denominator, you can specify Denominator as the row vector while specifying Numerator as a cell array.

The coefficients of Denominator can be either real-valued or complex-valued.

Variable — Transfer function display variable

's' (default) | 'z' | 'p' | 'q' | 'z^-1' | 'q^-1'

Transfer function display variable, specified as one of the following:

• 's' — Default for continuous-time models

• 'z' — Default for discrete-time models

• 'p' — Equivalent to 's'

• 'q' — Equivalent to 'z'

• 'z^-1' — Inverse of 'z'

• 'q^-1' — Equivalent to 'z^-1'

The value of Variable is reflected in the display, and also affects the interpretation of the Numerator and Denominator coefficient vectors for discrete-time models.

• For Variable values 's', 'z', 'p', or 'q', the coefficients are ordered in descending powers of the variable. For example, consider the row vector [ak ... a1 a0]. The polynomial order is specified as $$a_k{z}^k+\mathrm{...}+a_{1}z+a_0$$.

• For Variable values 'z^-1' or 'q^-1', the coefficients are ordered in ascending powers of the variable. For example, consider the row vector [b0 b1 ... bk]. The polynomial order is specified as $$b_0+b_1{z}^{-1}+\mathrm{...}+b_k{z}^{-k}$$.

For examples, see Specify Polynomial Ordering in Discrete-Time Transfer Function, Transfer Function Model Using Rational Expression, and Discrete-Time Transfer Function Model Using Rational Expression.

IODelay — Transport delay

0 (default) | scalar | Ny-by-Nu array

Transport delay, specified as one of the following:

• Scalar — Specify the transport delay for a SISO system or the same transport delay for all input/output pairs of a MIMO system.

• Ny-by-Nu array — Specify separate transport delays for each input/output pair of a MIMO system. Here, Ny is the number of outputs and Nu is the number of inputs.

For continuous-time systems, specify transport delays in the time unit specified by the TimeUnit property. For discrete-time systems, specify transport delays in integer multiples of the sample time, Ts.

InputDelay — Input delay

0 (default) | scalar | Nu-by-1 vector

Input delay for each input channel, specified as one of the following:

• Scalar — Specify the input delay for a SISO system or the same delay for all inputs of a multi-input system.

• Nu-by-1 vector — Specify separate input delays for input of a multi-input system, where Nu is the number of inputs.

For continuous-time systems, specify input delays in the time unit specified by the TimeUnit property. For discrete-time systems, specify input delays in integer multiples of the sample time, Ts.

For more information, see Time Delays in Linear Systems.

OutputDelay — Output delay

0 (default) | scalar | Ny-by-1 vector

Output delay for each output channel, specified as one of the following:

• Scalar — Specify the output delay for a SISO system or the same delay for all outputs of a multi-output system.

• Ny-by-1 vector — Specify separate output delays for output of a multi-output system, where Ny is the number of outputs.

For continuous-time systems, specify output delays in the time unit specified by the TimeUnit property. For discrete-time systems, specify output delays in integer multiples of the sample time, Ts.

For more information, see Time Delays in Linear Systems.

Ts — Sample time

0 (default) | positive scalar | -1

Sample time, specified as:

• 0 for continuous-time systems.

• A positive scalar representing the sampling period of a discrete-time system. Specify Ts in the time unit specified by the TimeUnit property.

• -1 for a discrete-time system with an unspecified sample time.

Note

Changing Ts does not discretize or resample the model. To convert between continuous-time and discrete-time representations, use c2d and d2c. To change the sample time of a discrete-time system, use d2d.

TimeUnit — Time variable units

'seconds' (default) | 'nanoseconds' | 'microseconds' | 'milliseconds' | 'minutes' | 'hours' | 'days' | 'weeks' | 'months' | 'years' | ...

Time variable units, specified as one of the following:

• 'nanoseconds'

• 'microseconds'

• 'milliseconds'

• 'seconds'

• 'minutes'

• 'hours'

• 'days'

• 'weeks'

• 'months'

• 'years'

Changing TimeUnit has no effect on other properties, but changes the overall system behavior. Use chgTimeUnit to convert between time units without modifying system behavior.

InputName — Input channel names

'' (default) | character vector | cell array of character vectors

Input channel names, specified as one of the following:

• A character vector, for single-input models.

• A cell array of character vectors, for multi-input models.

• '', no names specified, for any input channels.

Alternatively, you can assign input names for multi-input models using automatic vector expansion. For example, if sys is a two-input model, enter the following.

sys.InputName = 'controls';

The input names automatically expand to {'controls(1)';'controls(2)'}.

You can use the shorthand notation u to refer to the InputName property. For example, sys.u is equivalent to sys.InputName.

Use InputName to:

• Identify channels on model display and plots.

• Extract subsystems of MIMO systems.

• Specify connection points when interconnecting models.

InputUnit — Input channel units

'' (default) | character vector | cell array of character vectors

Input channel units, specified as one of the following:

• A character vector, for single-input models.

• A cell array of character vectors, for multi-input models.

• '', no units specified, for any input channels.

Use InputUnit to specify input signal units. InputUnit has no effect on system behavior.

InputGroup — Input channel groups

structure

Input channel groups, specified as a structure. Use InputGroup to assign the input channels of MIMO systems into groups and refer to each group by name. The field names of InputGroup are the group names and the field values are the input channels of each group. For example, enter the following to create input groups named controls and noise that include input channels 1 and 2, and 3 and 5, respectively.

sys.InputGroup.controls = [1 2];
sys.InputGroup.noise = [3 5];

You can then extract the subsystem from the controls inputs to all outputs using the following.

sys(:,'controls')

By default, InputGroup is a structure with no fields.

OutputName — Output channel names

'' (default) | character vector | cell array of character vectors

Output channel names, specified as one of the following:

• A character vector, for single-output models.

• A cell array of character vectors, for multi-output models.

• '', no names specified, for any output channels.

Alternatively, you can assign output names for multi-output models using automatic vector expansion. For example, if sys is a two-output model, enter the following.

sys.OutputName = 'measurements';

The output names automatically expand to {'measurements(1)';'measurements(2)'}.

You can also use the shorthand notation y to refer to the OutputName property. For example, sys.y is equivalent to sys.OutputName.

Use OutputName to:

• Identify channels on model display and plots.

• Extract subsystems of MIMO systems.

• Specify connection points when interconnecting models.

OutputUnit — Output channel units

'' (default) | character vector | cell array of character vectors

Output channel units, specified as one of the following:

• A character vector, for single-output models.

• A cell array of character vectors, for multi-output models.

• '', no units specified, for any output channels.

Use OutputUnit to specify output signal units. OutputUnit has no effect on system behavior.

OutputGroup — Output channel groups

structure

Output channel groups, specified as a structure. Use OutputGroup to assign the output channels of MIMO systems into groups and refer to each group by name. The field names of OutputGroup are the group names and the field values are the output channels of each group. For example, create output groups named temperature and measurement that include output channels 1, and 3 and 5, respectively.

sys.OutputGroup.temperature = [1];
sys.OutputGroup.measurement = [3 5];

You can then extract the subsystem from all inputs to the measurement outputs using the following.

sys('measurement',:)

By default, OutputGroup is a structure with no fields.

Name — System name

'' (default) | character vector

System name, specified as a character vector. For example, 'system_1'.

Notes — User-specified text

{} (default) | character vector | cell array of character vectors

User-specified text that you want to associate with the system, specified as a character vector or cell array of character vectors. For example, 'System is MIMO'.

UserData — User-specified data

[] (default) | any MATLAB data type

User-specified data that you want to associate with the system, specified as any MATLAB data type.

SamplingGrid — Sampling grid for model arrays

structure array

Sampling grid for model arrays, specified as a structure array.

Use SamplingGrid to track the variable values associated with each model in a model array, including identified linear time-invariant (IDLTI) model arrays.

Set the field names of the structure to the names of the sampling variables. Set the field values to the sampled variable values associated with each model in the array. All sampling variables must be numeric scalars, and all arrays of sampled values must match the dimensions of the model array.

For example, you can create an 11-by-1 array of linear models, sysarr, by taking snapshots of a linear time-varying system at times t = 0:10. The following code stores the time samples with the linear models.

 sysarr.SamplingGrid = struct('time',0:10)

Similarly, you can create a 6-by-9 model array, M, by independently sampling two variables, zeta and w. The following code maps the (zeta,w) values to M.

[zeta,w] = ndgrid(<6 values of zeta>,<9 values of w>)
M.SamplingGrid = struct('zeta',zeta,'w',w)

When you display M, each entry in the array includes the corresponding zeta and w values.

M

M(:,:,1,1) [zeta=0.3, w=5] =
 
        25
  --------------
  s^2 + 3 s + 25
 

M(:,:,2,1) [zeta=0.35, w=5] =
 
         25
  ----------------
  s^2 + 3.5 s + 25
 
...

For model arrays generated by linearizing a Simulink^® model at multiple parameter values or operating points, the software populates SamplingGrid automatically with the variable values that correspond to each entry in the array. For instance, the Simulink Control Design™ commands linearize (Simulink Control Design) and slLinearizer (Simulink Control Design) populate SamplingGrid automatically.

By default, SamplingGrid is a structure with no fields.

Object Functions

The following lists contain a representative subset of the functions you can use with tf models. In general, any function applicable to Dynamic System Models is applicable to a tf object.

Linear Analysis

step	Step response of dynamic system
impulse	Impulse response plot of dynamic system; impulse response data
lsim	Compute time response simulation data of dynamic system to arbitrary inputs
bode	Bode frequency response of dynamic system
nyquist	Nyquist response of dynamic system
nichols	Nichols response of dynamic system
bandwidth	Frequency response bandwidth

Stability Analysis

pole	Poles of dynamic system
zero	Zeros and gain of SISO dynamic system
pzplot	Plot pole-zero map of dynamic system
margin	Gain margin, phase margin, and crossover frequencies

Model Transformation

zpk	Zero-pole-gain model
ss	State-space model
c2d	Convert model from continuous to discrete time
d2c	Convert model from discrete to continuous time
d2d	Resample discrete-time model

Model Interconnection

feedback	Feedback connection of multiple models
connect	Block diagram interconnections of dynamic systems
series	Series connection of two models
parallel	Parallel connection of two models

Controller Design

pidtune	PID tuning algorithm for linear plant model
rlocus	Root locus of dynamic system
lqr	Linear-Quadratic Regulator (LQR) design
lqg	Linear-Quadratic-Gaussian (LQG) design
lqi	Linear-Quadratic-Integral control
kalman	Design Kalman filter for state estimation

Examples

SISO Transfer Function Model

For this example, consider the following SISO transfer function model:

$$sys(s)=\frac{1}{2s^2+3s+4}.$$

Specify the numerator and denominator coefficients ordered in descending powers of s, and create the transfer function model.

numerator = 1;
denominator = [2,3,4];
sys = tf(numerator,denominator)

sys =
 
         1
  ---------------
  2 s^2 + 3 s + 4
 
Continuous-time transfer function.
Model Properties

Discrete-Time SISO Transfer Function Model

For this example, consider the following discrete-time SISO transfer function model:

$$sys(z)=\frac{2z}{4z^3+3z-1}.$$

Specify the numerator and denominator coefficients ordered in descending powers of z and the sample time of 0.1 seconds. Create the discrete-time transfer function model.

numerator = [2,0];
denominator = [4,0,3,-1];
ts = 0.1;
sys = tf(numerator,denominator,ts)

sys =
 
        2 z
  ---------------
  4 z^3 + 3 z - 1
 
Sample time: 0.1 seconds
Discrete-time transfer function.
Model Properties

Second-Order Transfer Function from Damping Ratio and Natural Frequency

For this example, consider a transfer function model that represents a second-order system with known natural frequency and damping ratio.

The transfer function of a second-order system, expressed in terms of its damping ratio $$\zeta$$ and natural frequency $${\omega }_0$$, is:

$$sys\left(s\right)=\frac{{\omega }_0^2}{s^2+2\zeta {\omega }_{0}s+{\omega }_0^2}.$$

Assuming a damping ratio, $$\zeta$$ = 0.25 and natural frequency, $${\omega }_0$$ = 3 rad/s, create the second order transfer function.

zeta = 0.25;
w0 = 3;
numerator = w0^2;
denominator = [1,2*zeta*w0,w0^2];
sys = tf(numerator,denominator)

sys =
 
         9
  ---------------
  s^2 + 1.5 s + 9
 
Continuous-time transfer function.
Model Properties

Examine the response of this transfer function to a step input.

stepplot(sys)

The plot shows the ringdown expected of a second-order system with a low damping ratio.

Discrete-Time MIMO Transfer Function Model

Create a transfer function for the discrete-time, multi-input, multi-output model:

$$sys\left(z\right)=\left[\begin{array}{cc}\frac{1}{z+0.3}& \frac{z}{z+0.3}\\ \frac{-z+2}{z+0.3}& \frac{3}{z+0.3}\end{array}\right]$$

with sample time ts = 0.2 seconds.

Specify the numerator coefficients as a 2-by-2 matrix.

numerators = {1 [1 0];[-1 2] 3};

Specify the coefficients of the common denominator as a row vector.

denominator = [1 0.3];

Create the discrete-time MIMO transfer function model.

ts = 0.2;
sys = tf(numerators,denominator,ts)

sys =
 
  From input 1 to output...
          1
   1:  -------
       z + 0.3
 
       -z + 2
   2:  -------
       z + 0.3
 
  From input 2 to output...
          z
   1:  -------
       z + 0.3
 
          3
   2:  -------
       z + 0.3
 
Sample time: 0.2 seconds
Discrete-time transfer function.
Model Properties

For more information on creating MIMO transfer functions, see MIMO Transfer Functions.

Concatenate SISO Transfer Functions into MIMO Transfer Function Model

In this example, you create a MIMO transfer function model by concatenating SISO transfer function models. Consider the following single-input, two-output transfer function:

$$sys(s)=\left[\begin{array}{c}\frac{s-1}{s+1}\\ \frac{s+2}{s^2+4s+5}\end{array}\right].$$

Specify the MIMO transfer function model by concatenating the SISO entries.

sys1 = tf([1 -1],[1 1]);		
sys2 = tf([1 2],[1 4 5]);
sys = [sys1;sys2]

sys =
 
  From input to output...
       s - 1
   1:  -----
       s + 1
 
           s + 2
   2:  -------------
       s^2 + 4 s + 5
 
Continuous-time transfer function.
Model Properties

For more information on creating MIMO transfer functions, see MIMO Transfer Functions.

Transfer Function Model Using Rational Expression

For this example, create a continuous-time transfer function model using rational expressions. Using a rational expression can sometimes be easier and more intuitive than specifying polynomial coefficients of the numerator and denominator.

Consider the following system:

$$sys(s)=\frac{s}{s^2+2s+10}.$$

To create the transfer function model, first specify s as a tf object.

s = tf('s')

s =
 
  s
 
Continuous-time transfer function.
Model Properties

Create the transfer function model using s in the rational expression.

sys = s/(s^2 + 2*s + 10)

sys =
 
        s
  --------------
  s^2 + 2 s + 10
 
Continuous-time transfer function.
Model Properties

Discrete-Time Transfer Function Model Using Rational Expression

For this example, create a discrete-time transfer function model using a rational expression. Using a rational expression can sometimes be easier and more intuitive than specifying polynomial coefficients.

Consider the following system:

$$sys(z)=\frac{z-1}{z^2-1.85z+0.9}.$$

To create the transfer function model, first specify z as a tf object and the sample time Ts.

ts = 0.1;
z = tf('z',ts)

z =
 
  z
 
Sample time: 0.1 seconds
Discrete-time transfer function.
Model Properties

Create the transfer function model using z in the rational expression.

sys = (z - 1) / (z^2 - 1.85*z + 0.9)

sys =
 
        z - 1
  ------------------
  z^2 - 1.85 z + 0.9
 
Sample time: 0.1 seconds
Discrete-time transfer function.
Model Properties

Transfer Function Model with Inherited Properties

For this example, create a transfer function model with properties inherited from another transfer function model. Consider the following two transfer functions:

$$sys1(s)=\frac{2s}{s^2+8s}andsys2(s)=\frac{s-1}{7s^4+2s^3+9}.$$

For this example, create sys1 with the TimeUnit and InputDelay property set to 'minutes'.

numerator1 = [2,0];
denominator1 = [1,8,0];
sys1 = tf(numerator1,denominator1,'TimeUnit','minutes','InputUnit','minutes')

sys1 =
 
     2 s
  ---------
  s^2 + 8 s
 
Continuous-time transfer function.
Model Properties

propValues1 = [sys1.TimeUnit,sys1.InputUnit]

propValues1 = 1×2 cell
    {'minutes'}    {'minutes'}

Create the second transfer function model with properties inherited from sys1.

numerator2 = [1,-1];
denominator2 = [7,2,0,0,9];
sys2 = tf(numerator2,denominator2,sys1)

sys2 =
 
        s - 1
  -----------------
  7 s^4 + 2 s^3 + 9
 
Continuous-time transfer function.
Model Properties

propValues2 = [sys2.TimeUnit,sys2.InputUnit]

propValues2 = 1×2 cell
    {'minutes'}    {'minutes'}

Observe that the transfer function model sys2 has that same properties as sys1.

Array of Transfer Function Models

You can use a for loop to specify an array of transfer function models.

First, pre-allocate the transfer function array with zeros.

sys = tf(zeros(1,1,3));

The first two indices represent the number of outputs and inputs for the models, while the third index is the number of models in the array.

Create the transfer function model array using a rational expression in the for loop.

s = tf('s');                                                  
for k = 1:3                                                             
    sys(:,:,k) = k/(s^2+s+k);                                          
end
sys

sys(:,:,1,1) =
 
       1
  -----------
  s^2 + s + 1
 

sys(:,:,2,1) =
 
       2
  -----------
  s^2 + s + 2
 

sys(:,:,3,1) =
 
       3
  -----------
  s^2 + s + 3
 
3x1 array of continuous-time transfer functions.
Model Properties

Convert State-Space Model to Transfer Function

For this example, compute the transfer function of the following state-space model:

$$A=\left[\begin{array}{cc}-2& -1\\ 1& -2\end{array}\right],B=\left[\begin{array}{cc}1& 1\\ 2& -1\end{array}\right],C=\left[\begin{array}{cc}1& 0\end{array}\right],D=[\begin{array}{cc}0& 1\end{array}].$$

Create the state-space model using the state-space matrices.

A = [-2 -1;1 -2];
B = [1 1;2 -1];
C = [1 0];
D = [0 1];
ltiSys = ss(A,B,C,D);

Convert the state-space model ltiSys to a transfer function.

sys = tf(ltiSys)

sys =
 
  From input 1 to output:
        s
  -------------
  s^2 + 4 s + 5
 
  From input 2 to output:
  s^2 + 5 s + 8
  -------------
  s^2 + 4 s + 5
 
Continuous-time transfer function.
Model Properties

Extract Transfer Functions from Identified Model

For this example, extract the measured and noise components of an identified polynomial model into two separate transfer functions.

Load the Box-Jenkins polynomial model ltiSys in identifiedModel.mat.

load('identifiedModel.mat','ltiSys');

ltiSys is an identified discrete-time model of the form: $$y(t)=\frac{B}{F}u(t)+\frac{C}{D}e(t)$$, where $$\frac{B}{F}$$ represents the measured component and $$\frac{C}{D}$$ the noise component.

Extract the measured and noise components as transfer functions.

sysMeas = tf(ltiSys,'measured') 

sysMeas =
 
  From input "u1" to output "y1":
            -0.1426 z^-1 + 0.1958 z^-2
  z^(-2) * ----------------------------
           1 - 1.575 z^-1 + 0.6115 z^-2
 
Sample time: 0.04 seconds
Discrete-time transfer function.
Model Properties

sysNoise = tf(ltiSys,'noise')

sysNoise =
 
  From input "v@y1" to output "y1":
           0.04556 + 0.03301 z^-1
  ----------------------------------------
  1 - 1.026 z^-1 + 0.26 z^-2 - 0.1949 z^-3
 
Input groups:      
   Name    Channels
   Noise      1    
Sample time: 0.04 seconds
Discrete-time transfer function.
Model Properties

The measured component can serve as a plant model, while the noise component can be used as a disturbance model for control system design.

Specify Input and Output Names for MIMO Transfer Function Model

Transfer function model objects include model data that helps you keep track of what the model represents. For instance, you can assign names to the inputs and outputs of your model.

Consider the following continuous-time MIMO transfer function model:

$$sys(s)=\left[\begin{array}{c}\frac{s+1}{s^2+2s+2}\\ \frac{1}{s}\end{array}\right]$$

The model has one input $$-$$ Current, and two outputs $$-$$ Torque and Angular velocity.

First, specify the numerator and denominator coefficients of the model.

numerators = {[1 1] ; 1};
denominators = {[1 2 2] ; [1 0]};

Create the transfer function model, specifying the input name and output names.

sys = tf(numerators,denominators,'InputName','Current',...
        'OutputName',{'Torque' 'Angular Velocity'})

sys =
 
  From input "Current" to output...
                s + 1
   Torque:  -------------
            s^2 + 2 s + 2
 
                      1
   Angular Velocity:  -
                      s
 
Continuous-time transfer function.
Model Properties

Specify Polynomial Ordering in Discrete-Time Transfer Function

For this example, specify polynomial ordering in discrete-time transfer function models using the 'Variable' property.

Consider the following discrete-time transfer functions with sample time 0.1 seconds:

$$sys1(z)=\frac{z^2}{z^2+2z+3}sys2(z^{-1})=\frac{1}{1+2z^{-1}+3z^{-2}}.$$

Create the first discrete-time transfer function by specifying the z coefficients.

numerator = [1,0,0];
denominator = [1,2,3];
ts = 0.1;
sys1 = tf(numerator,denominator,ts)

sys1 =
 
       z^2
  -------------
  z^2 + 2 z + 3
 
Sample time: 0.1 seconds
Discrete-time transfer function.
Model Properties

The coefficients of sys1 are ordered in descending powers of z.

tf switches convention based on the value of the 'Variable' property. Since sys2 is the inverse transfer function model of sys1, specify 'Variable' as 'z^-1' and use the same numerator and denominator coefficients.

sys2 = tf(numerator,denominator,ts,'Variable','z^-1')

sys2 =
 
           1
  -------------------
  1 + 2 z^-1 + 3 z^-2
 
Sample time: 0.1 seconds
Discrete-time transfer function.
Model Properties

The coefficients of sys2 are now ordered in ascending powers of z^-1.

Based on different conventions, you can specify polynomial ordering in transfer function models using the 'Variable' property.

Tunable Low-Pass Filter

In this example, you will create a low-pass filter with one tunable parameter a:

$$F=\frac{a}{s+a}$$

Since the numerator and denominator coefficients of a tunableTF block are independent, you cannot use tunableTF to represent F. Instead, construct F using the tunable real parameter object realp.

Create a real tunable parameter with an initial value of 10.

a = realp('a',10)

a = 
       Name: 'a'
      Value: 10
    Minimum: -Inf
    Maximum: Inf
       Free: 1

Real scalar parameter.

Use tf to create the tunable low-pass filter F.

numerator = a;
denominator = [1,a];
F = tf(numerator,denominator)

Generalized continuous-time state-space model with 1 outputs, 1 inputs, 1 states, and the following blocks:
  a: Scalar parameter, 2 occurrences.
Model Properties

Type "ss(F)" to see the current value and "F.Blocks" to interact with the blocks.

F is a genss object which has the tunable parameter a in its Blocks property. You can connect F with other tunable or numeric models to create more complex control system models. For an example, see Control System with Tunable Components.

Static Gain MIMO Transfer Function Model

In this example, you will create a static gain MIMO transfer function model.

Consider the following two-input, two-output static gain matrix m:

$$m=\left[\begin{array}{cc}2& 4\\ 3& 5\end{array}\right]$$

Specify the gain matrix and create the static gain transfer function model.

m = [2,4;...
    3,5];
sys1 = tf(m)

sys1 =
 
  From input 1 to output...
   1:  2
 
   2:  3
 
  From input 2 to output...
   1:  4
 
   2:  5
 
Static gain.
Model Properties

You can use static gain transfer function model sys1 obtained above to cascade it with another transfer function model.

For this example, create another two-input, two-output discrete transfer function model and use the series function to connect the two models.

numerators = {1,[1,0];[-1,2],3};
denominator = [1,0.3];
ts = 0.2;
sys2 = tf(numerators,denominator,ts)

sys2 =
 
  From input 1 to output...
          1
   1:  -------
       z + 0.3
 
       -z + 2
   2:  -------
       z + 0.3
 
  From input 2 to output...
          z
   1:  -------
       z + 0.3
 
          3
   2:  -------
       z + 0.3
 
Sample time: 0.2 seconds
Discrete-time transfer function.
Model Properties

sys = series(sys1,sys2)

sys =
 
  From input 1 to output...
       3 z^2 + 2.9 z + 0.6
   1:  -------------------
       z^2 + 0.6 z + 0.09
 
       -2 z^2 + 12.4 z + 3.9
   2:  ---------------------
        z^2 + 0.6 z + 0.09
 
  From input 2 to output...
       5 z^2 + 5.5 z + 1.2
   1:  -------------------
       z^2 + 0.6 z + 0.09
 
       -4 z^2 + 21.8 z + 6.9
   2:  ---------------------
        z^2 + 0.6 z + 0.09
 
Sample time: 0.2 seconds
Discrete-time transfer function.
Model Properties

Compute Truncated Transfer Function Approximation of Sparse Model

Since R2025a

This example shows how to obtain a truncated transfer function model of a sparse state-space model. This example uses a sparse model obtained from linearizing a thermal model of heat distribution in a circular cylindrical rod.

Load the model data.

load cylindricalRod.mat
sys = sparss(A,B,C,D,E);
w = logspace(-7,-1,20);
size(sys)

Sparse state-space model with 3 outputs, 1 inputs, and 7522 states.

Analyze the frequency response of the model.

sigmaplot(sys,w)

To obtain a truncated approximation, use tf and specify the frequency band of focus. For this model, you can use a frequency range from 0 rad/s to 0.01 rad/s to obtain the low-order approximation.

tsys = tf(sys,Focus=[0 1e-2],Display="off");

Compare the frequency response.

sigmaplot(sys,tsys,w)

This thermal model has a very steep roll-off beyond 0.001 rad/s. By default, the reduced model obtained using tf does not provide a good match for this roll-off. To mitigate this, you can use the RollOff argument of tf and specify a minimum roll-off value beyond the frequency band of focus. Specify a roll-off slope value of -45, which corresponds to a rate of at least –900 db/decade.

tsys2 = tf(sys,Focus=[0 1e-2],RollOff=-45,Display="off");
sigmaplot(sys,tsys2,w)

The reduced model now provides a much better approximation of the roll-off value. However, in this example, readjusting roll-off slope using tf requires recomputing zeros and poles. This may be computationally expensive in case of large-scale models. As an alternative, you can use the zero-pole truncation method of reducespec and adjust roll-off at no extra computation cost, after the software has computed poles and zeros. For an example, see Zero-Pole Truncation of Thermal Model.

Limitations

• Transfer function models are ill-suited for numerical computations. Once created, convert them to state-space form before combining them with other models or performing model transformations. You can then convert the resulting models back to transfer function form for inspection purposes

• An identified nonlinear model cannot be directly converted into a transfer function model using tf. To obtain a transfer function model:

  1. Convert the nonlinear identified model to an identified LTI model using linapp (System Identification Toolbox), idnlarx/linearize (System Identification Toolbox), or idnlhw/linearize (System Identification Toolbox).

  2. Then, convert the resulting model to a transfer function model using tf.

Algorithms

To convert sparse models, tf uses the Krylov--Schur algorithm [1] for inverse power iterations to compute poles and zeros in the specified frequency band.

References

[1] Stewart, G. W. “A Krylov--Schur Algorithm for Large Eigenproblems.” SIAM Journal on Matrix Analysis and Applications 23, no. 3 (January 2002): 601–14. https://doi.org/10.1137/S0895479800371529.

Extended Capabilities

Automatic Parallel Support

Accelerate code by automatically running computation in parallel using Parallel Computing Toolbox™. (since R2026a)

The tf function has automatic parallel support for computing truncated transfer function approximations of sparse models. To run computations in parallel, set the UseParallel argument to "on" or "auto". For more information, see Run MATLAB Functions with Automatic Parallel Support (Parallel Computing Toolbox).

Version History

Introduced before R2006a

R2026a: Enhanced control over parallel execution with UseParallel argument

The UseParallel name-value argument now accepts "off", "auto", or "on" values instead of true or false. This change gives you more control over when to use a parallel pool for parallel execution.

Specifying the UseParallel name-value argument as true or false is not recommended.

This table shows how to update your code depending on your goal.

Goal	Not recommended	Recommended
Write code that runs on the MATLAB client and uses built-in multithreading to make best use of the local resources.	sys = tf(sparseSys,UseParallel=false)	sys = tf(sparseSys,UseParallel="off") (default)
Write portable code that runs on a parallel pool and, if a pool is not available, runs on the MATLAB client.	sys = tf(sparseSys,UseParallel=true)	sys = tf(sparseSys,UseParallel="auto")
Write code that runs on a parallel pool and errors if a pool is not available.	N/A	sys = tf(sparseSys,UseParallel="on")

There are no plans to remove support for the true or false values.

R2025a: Compute Truncated Transfer Function Approximation of Sparse Models

You can now use tf to convert sparse state-space models and obtain a truncated transfer function approximation. tf computes a subset of the zeros and poles of sparse models, typically in a specific low-frequency band [0 f_max]. This can yield better low-frequency approximations than modal truncation model-order reduction at the expense of more computation. tf also provides direct control over the roll-off slope past the frequency f_max. Use the new syntax tsys = tf(sparseSys,Name=Value) to obtain an approximation based on specified options, such as frequency range of focus. For an example, see Compute Truncated Transfer Function Approximation of Sparse Model.