This paper presents a study of the Fourier transform method for parameter identification of a linear dynamic system in the frequency domain using fractional differential equations. Fundamental definitions of fractional differential equations are briefly outlined. The Fourier transform method of identification and their algorithms are generalized so that they include fractional derivatives and integrals.

The positivity of descriptor continuous-time and discrete-time linear systems with regular pencils are addressed. Such systems can be reduced to standard linear systems and can be decomposed into dynamical and static parts. Two definitions of the positive systems are proposed. It is shown that the definitions are not equivalent. Conditions for the positivity of the systems and the relationship between two classes of positive systems are established. The considerations are illustrated by examples of electrical circuits and numerical examples.