A note on pole assignment

It is shown that for a controllable, linear time invariant multivariable system at least max (m,p) poles can be assigned arbitrarily. In certain cases more than max (m,p) oikes can be assigned. This result is particularly useful in designing systems for high integrity in the event of transducer failure. In such an event this design takes advantage of the unequal number of inputs and outputs so as to assure no loss in pole assignability.