Choice Review

Thompson has been sensitive to a shortcoming that probably every student of automatic controls has felt in the educational process, that of linking theory and techniques with real objects. By wisely limiting his scope to classical controls for analog, linear, and single input/single output systems, he has effectively supplemented traditional theory with insightful interpretations of cross-links among techniques. Credibility for this applications niche is best addressed by Thompson's unique chapter detailing case studies of control theory applied to four pieces of commercial laboratory equipment. Here, the student can come face to face with reality in a way not afforded by other contemporary texts, such as B.C. Kuo's Automatic Conrol Systems, (5th ed., 1987). A second unique feature of less merit is Thompson's detailed listing of BASIC language code for several computer-aided control system design (CACSD) packages. Packages that are more user friendly are available today, however, on diskettes accompanying Kuo's text (1987) and C.L. Phillips and R.D. Harbor Feedback Control Systems (Ch, Jan'88). In less-costly paperback form, Thompson's book is nevertheless attractive and stylistic. Prose, mathematical symbolism, and illustrations are effectively legible and pleasing. Abundant, comprehensive example problems are further supplemented by chapter-end problems whose partial solutions are provided at the back of the book. Minimal references. Its applications niche alone justifies acquisition by undergraduate academic libraries. -R. E. Young, Clemson University