Anyone seeking a gentle introduction to the methods of modern control
theory and engineering, written at the level of a first-year graduate
course, should consider this book seriously. It contains:
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A generous historical overview of automatic control, from Ancient
Greece to the 1970s, when this discipline matured into an essential
field for electrical, mechanical, aerospace, chemical, and biomedical
engineers, as well as mathematicians, and more recently, computer
scientists;
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A balanced presentation of the relevant theory: the main state-space
methods for description, analysis, and design of linear control
systems are derived, without overwhelming theoretical arguments;
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Over 250 solved and exercise problems for both continuous- and
discrete-time systems, often including MATLAB simulations; and
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Appendixes on MATLAB, advanced matrix theory, and the history of
mathematical tools such as differential calculus, transform methods,
and linear algebra.
Another noteworthy feature is the frequent use of an inverted pendulum
on a cart to illustrate the most important concepts of automatic
control, such as:
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Linearization and discretization;
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Stability, controllability, and observability;
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State feedback, controller design, and optimal control; and
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Observer design, reduced order observers, and Kalman filtering.
Most of the problems are given with solutions or MATLAB simulations.
Whether the book is used as a textbook or as a self-study guide, the
knowledge gained from it will be an excellent platform for students and
practising engineers to explore further the recent developments and
applications of control theory.
