Control Systems Literature
The following is a list of books which have provided a very practical foundation to my work in control
engineering.
- Applied Optimal Estimation written by the Technical Staff of the Analytic Sciences Corporation,
and edited by Arthur Gelb. M.I.T. Press, Cambridge Massachusetts, 1974. This book provides a
concise introduction to estimation first introducing fundamental concepts and mathematics, then
quickly moving into the development of practical algorithms for estimation and filtering.
- Implementation of Self Tuning Controllers edited by Kevin Warwick, Peter Peregrinus Ltd.,
United Kingdom, 1988. This book is a collection of landmark papers in applied adaptive control. A
valuable resource; I have often referred to chapter 2 , RLS based estimation schemes for self tuning
control. The chapter offers a fairly complete collection of ad-hoc modifications of the RLS algorithm
to help meet special requirements in system identification.
- An introduction to the Calculus of Variations by Charles Fox, Dover Publications, Inc., New York,
1987. Inexpensive, yet well written text on the introduction to the calculus of variations. Lots of
classic examples in experimental physics. Good background material for working optimal control
problems.
- Digital Control System Design Second Edition by Mohammed S. Santina, Allen R. Stubberud, and
Gene H. Hostetter, Harcourt Brace College Publishers, Forth Worth TX, 1994. Complete treatment of
digital control and estimation control. Lots of detailed examples makes this text an excellent choice
for both the beginner and practicing engineer to further their knowledge. Strong focus in state
feedback control, observer theory and optimal control. Thanks Mohammed.
- Automatic Feedback Control System Synthesis by John G. Truxal, McGraw Hill Book Company,
Inc., New York, 1955. An oldie, but goodie. This book, recommended to me by my good friend, Gary
McGee, includes discussions on topics in control not often found in more modern texts. Check out
chapter 11 on phase plane analysis and the interpretation of the phase portrait for non-linear
systems. Thanks Gary.
- Linear Optimal Control Systems by Kwakernaak and Sivan, Wiley Interscience, New York,
1972. A Classic in the field of optimal control. Good introductory text, and lots of practical examples
that can be used as a basis for actual applications.
- Probability, Random Variables and Stochastic Processes second edition by Athanasios
Papoulis, McGraw Hill Book Company, New York, 1984. Another classic, but in the field of probability
and stochastic processes. I have found chapter 10, Spectral Analysis, to be a most usefull
reference. A valuable resource for control engineers applying feedback methods in communications
systems.
- Control and Analysis of Noisy Processes by David Koenig, Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, New
Jersey, 1991. A down-to-earth, practical text that describes specific characteristics of control
systems components. He breaks down the classic PID controller, and explains the behavior of each
component. All the practical aspects in classical control covered. A must read for the practicing
control engineer.
- Automatic Control Systems by Richard Phelan, Cornell University Press, Ithaca, New York, 1977.
Phelan introduces an alternative approach to the classical PID controller: PDF control. He's right.
PID is not always the best solution. I have found the PDF methodology to provide all the benefits of
PID control, but with an increase in robustness to plant parameter variations.
- Robust Adaptive Control by Petros A, Ioannou and Jing Sun, Prentice Hall, NJ 1996. This book
provides a solid theoretical foundation for modern day adaptive controls as well as summary
algorithms that can be taken directly from the text for application.