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.