Input/output linearization: A nonlinear analog of placing poles at process zeros

This paper deals with SISO nonlinear processes and their control with state feedback. The Byrnes‐Isidori concept of non‐linear zeros is first reviewed and illustrated with two chemical engineering exemples. This concept is then used to interpret input/output linearizing state feedback as a nonlinear analog of placing poles at the process zeros. This interpretation leads to closed‐loop internal stability conditions for nonlinear processes under input/output linearizing state feedback.