Nonnegative realization of a linear system with nonnegative impulse response

Let H(z) be a rational transfer function, with associated nonnegative impulse response sequence. The paper considers the question: When does there exist a triple A/spl isin/R/sup N/spl times/N/, b/spl isin/R/sup N/, c/spl isin/R/sup N/ with all nonnegative entries H(z)=c'(zI-A)/sup -1/b? An essentially complete characterization is given of the H(z) allowing such a realization, in terms of the location of the pole or poles of H(z) with maximum modulus.