The Book End
Feedback Control Systems
Charles L. Phillips and Royce D. Harbor
Prentice Hall
658 pages; $100
ISBN: 0-13-949090-6
This fourth edition has been updated to include the SIMULINK™ simulation program, a block diagram program used with MATLAB™ for the simulation of both continuous (analog) and discrete systems and nonlinear continuous systems. Most of the examples in the book now contain short MATLAB programs. The material has been organized into three principle areas: analog control systems, digital control systems and nonlinear analog control systems.
After a brief introduction, a short history of feedback control systems is presented and mathematical models of some common control system components are developed. The section on the analysis and design of linear analog systems (control systems with no sampling) begins by developing the transfer function and state-variable models of linear analog systems. Typical responses of linear analog systems, including the concept of frequency response, are presented. Important control system characteristics are developed and some applications of closed-loop systems derived from these characteristics are noted. The concept of system stability is presented along with the Routh-Hurwitz stability criterion. An analysis and design using root locus (time-response) procedures are presented next, and the equally important frequency response analysis and design procedures are described. Modern control system design is covered in the final chapter of this section. Pole-placement design is developed and the design of state estimators is introduced.
Digital control systems are covered in the next section. All of the previously presented techniques are developed again for digital systems. The final section deals with nonlinear system analysis. These methods include the describing-function analysis, linearization and state-plane analysis. Three appendices include reviews on matrices and Laplace transforms as well as a table of Laplace and z transforms.
Many examples are offered, primarily limited to illustrating one concept at a time for the benefit of the beginning students who use this text in course work. A solutions manual is available for teachers for classroom work using this text. Although written as a classroom textbook, practicing engineers will find this book very useful for reference and instruction.
To order this book, contact: Prentice Hall, PO Box 11073, Des Moines, IA 50336 (800) 947-7700.
Wireless Technician’s Handbook
Andrew Miceli
Artech House Inc.
256 pages; $59, £41
ISBN: 1-58053-005-2
A text aimed at technicians is somewhat unique. However, a book with information more detailed than needed for business professionals, but less complex than engineering texts without the baffling formulas and graphs can be quite refreshing. The primary purpose of this book is to train technicians in wireless system fundamentals. However, it is also a great reference text for those engineers who are not directly in the field and desire a cursory look at the subject.
As expected, the book begins with an introductory chapter on basic RF and digital principles, including RF propagation and modulation formats. Cellular radio concepts are covered next, with a review of the history of cellular radio communications and a discussion of cellular networks and multiple access techniques. The technical aspects of the AMPS system are also presented along with an explanation of the many terms and abbreviations associated with the service and its formats and standards. In addition, North American-TDMA (NA-TDMA) and CDMA-ONE dual-mode standards are explained. Separate chapters cover the details of NA-TDMA (strong in the Americas), GSM (primarily in Europe) and CDMA system architecture and operation.
The basics of field testing are introduced next. This section is designed to give a technician and technical manager a basic understanding of many of the tools available as well as an overview of the primary tests that are performed in the field for each of the discussed technologies. The building blocks of a common cellular transceiver are presented and typical system measurements are discussed. The final three chapters are devoted to testing procedures for AMPS, TDMA and CDMA systems.
Much of the information in this book is useful for anyone seeking a simple understanding of today’s wireless cellular and PCS communications systems. Technicians will find the sections on testing of particular interest.
To order this book, contact: Artech House Inc., 685 Canton St., Norwood, MA 02062 (781) 0769-9750, ext. 4002; or 46 Gillingham St., London SW1V 1HH, UK +44 (0) 20 7596 8750.