how can i force a matrix to be positive sime-definite matrix?

i'm creating a gibbs sampling algorithm and i one of thge steps an error appears in using mvnrnd function , sigma must be positive semi definite matrix what can i do?

Answer 1

[Jan]

Please read http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Positive-semidefinite_matrix#Negative-definite.2C_semidefinite_and_indefinite_matrices

Perhaps it helps to know, that A*A is positive semi-definite for any matrix A. But it is not clear how your data should be changed to match the requirements. Please post more details.

Answer 2

[Youssef Khmou]

hi, arkedia,

like Jan said you can take mvnrnd(A*A) if A is square or A*conj(A') otherwise and A*A~SIGMA , but if A is an array of data then A*A will create covariance of SIGMA matrix itself which will mess your calculations,

Try to alter your code using abs(SIGMA) instead of sigma .