The extraordinary development of digital computers (microprocessors, microcontrollers) and their extensive use in control systems in all fields of applications has brought about important changes in the design of control systems. Their performance and their low cost make them suitable for use in control systems of various kinds which demand far better capabilities and performances than those provided by analog controllers. However, in order really to take advantage of the capabilities of microprocessors, it is not enough to reproduce the behavior of analog (PID) controllers. One needs to implement specific and high-performance model based control techniques developed for computer-controlled systems (techniques that have been extensively tested in practice). In this context identification of a plant dynamic model from data is a fundamental step in the design of the control system. The book takes into account the fact that the association of books with software and on-line material is radically changing the teaching methods of the control discipline. Despite its interactive character, computer-aided control design software requires the understanding of a number of concepts in order to be used efficiently. The use of software for illustrating the various concepts and algorithms helps understanding and rapidly gives a feeling of the various phenomena.

The great advances made in large-scale integration of semiconductors, the resulting cost-effective digital processors and data storage devi ces, and the development of suitable programming techniques are all having increasing influence on the techniques of measurement and con trol and on automation in general. The application of digital techni ques to process automation started in about 1960 when the first process computer was installed. From about 1970 computers have become standard equipment for the automation of industrial processes, connected on-line in open or closed loop. The annual increase of installed process compu ters in the last decade was about 20- 30 %. The cost of hardware has shown a tendency to decrease, whereas the relative cost of user soft ware has tended to increase. Because of the relatively high total cost, the first phase of digital computer application to process control is characterized by the centralization of many functions in a single (though sometimes in several) process computer. Such centralization does not permit full utilization of the many advantages of digital signal processing and rapid economic pay-off as analog back-up systems or parallel standby computers must often be provided to cover possible breakdowns in the central computer. In 1971 the first microprocessors were marketed which, together with large-scale integrated semiconductor memory units and input/output mo dules, can be assembled into more cost-effective process microcompu ters.

Digital controllers are part of nearly all modern personal, industrial, and transportation systems. Every senior or graduate student of electrical, chemical or mechanical engineering should therefore be familiar with the basic theory of digital controllers. This new text covers the fundamental principles and applications of digital control engineering, with emphasis on engineering design. Fadali and Visioli cover analysis and design of digitally controlled systems and describe applications of digital controls in a wide range of fields. With worked examples and Matlab applications in every chapter and many end-of-chapter assignments, this text provides both theory and practice for those coming to digital control engineering for the first time, whether as a student or practicing engineer. Extensive Use of computational tools: Matlab sections at end of each chapter show how to implement concepts from the chapter Frees the student from the drudgery of mundane calculations and allows him to consider more subtle aspects of control system analysis and design An engineering approach to digital controls: emphasis throughout the book is on design of control systems. Mathematics is used to help explain concepts, but throughout the text discussion is tied to design and implementation. For example coverage of analog controls in chapter 5 is not simply a review, but is used to show how analog control systems map to digital control systems Review of Background Material: contains review material to aid understanding of digital control analysis and design. Examples include discussion of discrete-time systems in time domain and frequency domain (reviewed from linear systems course) and root locus design in s-domain and z-domain (reviewed from feedback control course) Inclusion of Advanced Topics In addition to the basic topics required for a one semester senior/graduate class, the text includes some advanced material to make it suitable for an introductory graduate level class or for two quarters at the senior/graduate level. Examples of optional topics are state-space methods, which may receive brief coverage in a one semester course, and nonlinear discrete-time systems Minimal Mathematics Prerequisites The mathematics background required for understanding most of the book is based on what can be reasonably expected from the average electrical, chemical or mechanical engineering senior. This background includes three semesters of calculus, differential equations and basic linear algebra. Some texts on digital control require more

The objective of this book is to provide a collection of solved problems on control systems, with an emphasis on practical problems. System functionality is described, the modeling process is explained, the problem solution is introduced, and the derived results are discussed. Each chapter ends with a discussion on applying MATLAB®, LabVIEW, and/or Comprehensive Control to the previously introduced concepts. The aim of the book is to help an average reader understand the concepts of control systems through problems and applications. The solutions are based directly on math formulas given in extensive tables throughout the text.