Although the transfer function approach is widely used in classical control theory, computer-controlled continuous-time processes are a very important subset of periodic sampled-data systems which are not treatable using ordinary transfer functions.

The authors show how parametric transfer functions, which incorporate time-dependence, can be used to give a complete exposition of analysis and design methods for multi-input, multi-output (MIMO) sampled-data systems.

Multivariable Computer-controlled Systems is divided into three parts:

- Preliminary algebraic material necessary in later chapters.

- Control problems, important in their own right but also having a substantial bearing on what follows.

- Frequency methods for the investigation of MIMO sampled-data systems (parametric discrete-time models; stability; stochastic methods; H₂ optimization and L₂ design).

Appendices covering basic mathematical formulae and two MATLAB^® toolboxes round out this self-contained guide.