EE 453 Modern Control Theory
Designation: Elective
Catalog Description: EE 453 Modern Control Theory (3) Analysis and synthesis of nonlinear
control systems by means of Lagrange’s equation, state space techniques, maximum principle.
Lyapunov’s theorems, the phase plane, and Z-transform techniques. Optimization and adaptation
by means of gradient methods, calculus of variations, dynamic programming. Pre: 351.
Credits: 3
Pre- and Co-requisites: Prerequisites: EE 351 “Linear Systems and Control”.
Class/Lab Schedule: Three 50-minute lectures per week.
Topics Covered:
This is the second course on control systems. It covers linear systems and control design
techniques using state-space methods. The topics covered include
 Introduction to Linear Systems (6 hours)
 Controllability Observability (6 hours)
 State-space realizations (6 hours)
 State Feedback (6 hours)
 Observer (4 hours)
 Filtering (4 hours)
 LQG Control (4 hours)
Textbook and Other Required Materials: P.R. Belanger, Control Engineering – A Modern
Approach, Oxford University Press, 1995.
Course Objectives and Relationship to Program Objectives:
This is the second course on control systems. It covers linear systems and control design
techniques using state-space methods. Students should know controllability, observability, statespace realizations, state feedback. They should know how to design and apply observers, filters,
and LQG control systems. [Program Objectives addressed by this course: A, B.]
Course Outcomes and Their Relationship to Program Outcomes
The following are course outcomes and the Program Outcomes (numbered 1-11 in square
beraces “[ ]”) they address:
 The students should know (i) how to apply ordinary differential equations through statespace representations towards analyzing and designing dynamical systems, (ii) dynamic
responses of linear systems and stability of polynomials and dynamical systems, (iii) statespace representation of dynamical systems/differential equation and linear algebra as it
relates to state-space representations. They should become fluent in modern control systems
design. [1]
 The students should know how to go from a word problem, usually design specifications, to a
formal description of a design, then a controller design using design tools, followed by
simulation and verification using software tools. [3,5,11]
 The students should know the techniques for relaxing constraints or redesign the controller
for achieving closed-loop specifications either in the time-domain or the frequency domain.
They should also know how constraints in the time domain affect the frequency response of
the system and vice versa and how to apply these concepts to design. [3,5,11]

Students are able to design controllers, access the design through the constraint
specifications, and decide whether the initial design is acceptable or can be improved by
iterating. [3,5,11]
Contribution of Course to Meeting the Professional Component
Engineering topics: 100%
Computer Usage: There is extensive computer usage since the students use the following
computer aided design tools: Matlab/Simulink (system design and simulation software tool) and
word processing for lab reports. The students are required to use Matlab/Simulink for most of
their lab experiments. In addition, around a third of the homework assignments have a problem,
which requires the Matlab/Control Systems design toolbox.
Design Credits and Features: There is 1 design credit. Design problems are part of the course
project:
Boeing 777- 300 Modal Suppresion (3-4 weeks) – This project involved the design of an LQG
controller for vibration suppression for the B777-3000. The experimental data and the system
identification are provided by the Boeing company. The design of a robust LQG controller is
studied and derived. The controller is then applies to the experimental obtaine from the Ground
Frequency Test (GFT).
The course uses computer aided design tools in other assignments as well.
Instructor(s): V.L. Syrmos and R. Chattergy.
Person(s) Preparing Syllabus and Date: V.L. Syrmos. April 26, 2003.