On observability of switched differential-algebraic equations

We investigate observability of switched differential algebraic equations. The article primarily focuses on a class of switched systems comprising of two modes and a switching signal with a single switching instant. We provide a necessary and sufficient condition under which it is possible to recover the value of state trajectory (globally in time) with the help of switching phenomenon, even though the constituent subsystems may not be observable. In case the switched system is not globally observable, we discuss the concept of forward observability which deals with the recovery of state trajectory after the switching. A necessary and sufficient condition that characterizes forward observability is presented.