Switched linear systems have enjoyed a particular growth in interest since the 1990s. The large amount of data and ideas thus generated have, until now, lacked a co-ordinating framework to focus them effectively on some of the fundamental issues such as the problems of robust stabilizing switching design, feedback stabilization and optimal switching.

This deficiency is resolved by this book which features: nucleus of constructive design approaches based on canonical decomposition and forming a sound basis for the systematic treatment of secondary results; theoretical exploration and logical association of several independent but pivotal concerns in control design as they pertain to switched linear systems: controllability and observability, feedback stabilization, optimization and periodic switching; a reliable foundation for further theoretical research as well as design guidance for real life engineering applications through the integration of novel ideas, fresh insights and rigorous results.

The style of the book is clear and concise with many illustrative examples. The main results presented in the book are original contributions of the authors, and represent the culmination of years of rigorous and insightful research. Therefore, the book provides a valuable resource for researchers and engineers interested in switched systems. The book can also serve as a complementary reading for linear/nonlinear systems theory at the graduate level.

IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control 51 (2006) 1585 – 1586 (Reviewer: Hai Lin)