This established and authoritative text focuses on the design and analysis of nonlinear control systems. The author considers the latest research results and techniques in this updated and extended edition. Examples are given from mechanical, electrical and aerospace engineering. The approach consists of a rigorous mathematical formulation of control problems and respective methods of solution. The two appendices outline the most important concepts of differential geometry and present some specific findings not often found in other standard works. The book is, therefore, suitable both as a graduate and undergraduate text and as a source for reference.
Isidori's book is essential for anyone preparing for serious reading or basic research in the differential geometric approach to control theory and will not disappoint those mathematically trained. I have observed its use in the hands of two teachers other than the author; the students enjoyed it and made good use of it later. There is no universal solvent for nonlinear control problems, but the methods presented here are powerful. - IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control 43 (1997) 1043-1044 (Reviewer: David L. Elliott)
It is an excellent book to understand the theoretical foundations of nonlinear control systems. Although I have taken 2 graduate level courses in this subject, I have not seen such rigorous analysis in the courses. The books provides the mathematical backbone, which I missed in the courses (which jump straight from dot(x) = f(x), to designing filtered states). Key examples are provided to strengthen some ideas. Equivalents of Reachability and Observability in nonlinear systems are provided with a differential geometric perspective. This is as far as I have come in this book. I guess I will edit my review if my opinion changes further down the lane!
Warning: One needs to be very familiar with concepts of real analysis and differential topology to begin with.
This is simply the best book written on nonlinear control theory. The contents form the basis for feedback linearization techniques, nonlinear observers, sliding mode control, understanding relative degree, nonminimum phase systems, exact linearization, and a host of other topics. A careful reading of this book will provide vast rewards. A fantastic book.