Mathematical Approach to Classical Control, A

content better than 99%

writing better than 80%

This book is undergraduate in that it contains an exposition of linear systems that have only one input and one output (so-called SISO systems). However, it contains a graduate level treatment of the mathematics, and is much more detailed than any undergradute control theory text I have ever seen. I recall wondering, as an engineer, about the true mathematical soundness of some of the equations I have to work with; all of the mathematical details that were left out are contained here. I've never seen them elsewhere.

It is my opinion that this is the way control theory should be taught. However, our American educational system values getting right into the applications over a detailed nuts-and-bolts analysis of the principles. But let me end my digression about education and say that Lewis's treatment of control theory is the best out there.

At first glance, it might seem that the French-style definition, theorem, proof format is followed with little intuitive explanation. However, the intuition is for the most part here. There is plenty of exposition to back up the rigorous formulation, and Matlab examples and plots are contained within.

I congratulate Lewis and hope that these notes remain freely available because they are a gem. Often, high-quality sets of notes like this turn into copyrighted textbooks that cost over $100 -- a real shame, because then someone like me who has graduated would never know it existed.

Although the web page says this is simply a series of course notes, they are polished more than most control systems textbooks I have poured over.

The above review is copyrighted by its author, and is copylefted under the following license:
Open Publication License 1.0 without options A or B

The contents of this web page, except the parts contributed by members of The Assayer, are copyright (c) 2000 by Benjamin Crowell, and are copyleft licensed under the Open Publication License 1.0, without options A or B.