'To the surprise of some undergraduates, processes do not carry labels marking their variables nor, alas, are they conveniently classified into linear, nonlinear, stochastic, etc., categories. The ability to come to terms with this situation is a prerequisite for anyone proposing to succeed in an industrial environment.' This quotation from Chapter 1 characterises the viewpoint of the book, which is concerned with the application of control theory to real problems in their industrial context. The book is structured around the following beliefs: (a) Economic aspects must be considered at an early stage of any project.(b) Simple techniques and ready-made manufacturer's solutions should be applied wherever possible.(c) More advanced techniques will be received enthusiastically in those applications where they can offer a genuine contribution.(d) Control systems using distributed microprocessor power will have an impact that is difficult to exaggerate. Control engineers must become familiar with the concepts involved.(e) Familiarity with a wide range of applications is indispensable in developing an efficient approach in the field of applied control theory. This second edition includes new material and supporting references on: robotics controlprogrammable logic controllersself-tuning controllersdistributed computer control systemsbiotechnological control The book should be accessible to a wide variety of engineers. Preferably they should have an elementary knowledge of automatic control theory.

Author Biography

Professor J.R. Leigh was educated at Cambridge and London Universities, where he gained higher degrees in both control engineering and pure mathematics. He has worked in both small and large industrial organisations on the development and application of control systems. In his current appointment at the Polytechnic of Central London, his interests are concerned with control theory, computer-aided design and industrial applications. These interests are well supported by consultancies on novel control applications. He has published or co-authored over 100 research papers and several books, including Essentials of Nonlinear Control Theory, Modelling and Simulation and Temperature Measurement and Control. His current research includes work on the control of biotechnological systems and in this field he has recently edited the book Modelling and Control of Fermentation Processes. He is a Fellow of both the Institution of Engineering and Technology and the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, and a Member of the London Mathematical Society.