Abstract. The representation or order reduction of a rational transfer function by a linear combination of orthogonal rational functions offers several advantages, among which the possibility to work with prescribed poles and hence the guarantee of system stability. Also for multidimensional linear shift-invariant systems with infinite-extent impulse response, stability can be guaranteed a priori by the use of a multivariate Padé-type approximation technique, which is again a rational approximation technique. In both the one-and multidimensional case the choice of the moment functional with respect to which the orthogonality of the functions in use is imposed, plays a crucial role.