Abstract: An improved global harmony search (IGHS) algorithm was proposed， and a novel position updating strategy was introduced in the IGHS algorithm. The interval solution can be generated dynamically with the proposed algorithm， and the ability of searching the solution space through the position updating strategy is improved， which prevents the phenomena of premature convergence and falling into a local optimum. The algorithm is employed in the robust pole placement problems， and it is easy to implement arbitrary pole placement for the linear control systems， and the convex conversion process in conventional condition number optimizations is not needed. Finally simulation investigation is carried out for a multivariable system， and the simulation result demonstrates the better robustness of the closed-loop system gained by the proposed algorithm.

Key words: harmony search, pole placement, robust, condition number, state feedback