This book will present the basic theory to use control system design software, giving a comprehensive treatment of the time domain or state analysis of linear systems. Uniquely this book will focus on both theory and applications and, in order to facilitate learning, basic mathematical ideas (mostly linear algebra) will be introduced.

Incorporating recent developments in control and systems research, Linear Control Theory provides the fundamental theoretical background needed to fully exploit control system design software. This logically-structured text opens with a detailed treatment of the relevant aspects of the state space analysis of linear systems. End-of-chapter problems facilitate the learning process by encouraging the student to put his or her skills into practice. Features include:

• The use of an easy to understand matrix variational technique to develop the time-invariant quadratic and LQG controllers
• A step-by-step introduction to essential mathematical ideas as they are needed, motivating the reader to venture beyond basic concepts
• The examination of linear system theory as it relates to control theory
• The use of the PBH test to characterize eigenvalues in the state feedback and observer problems rather than its usual role as a test for controllability or observability
• The development of model reduction via balanced realization
• The employment of the L₂ gain as a basis for the development of the H controller for the design of controllers in the presence of plant model uncertainty

Senior undergraduate and postgraduate control engineering students and practicing control engineers will appreciate the insight this self-contained book offers into the intelligent use of today's control system software tools.