73 Best Control System Books of All Time (Updated for 2026)

1

Out of Control: The New Biology of Machines, Social Systems, and the Economic World

Kevin Kelly

5.0

Out of Control chronicles the dawn of a new era in which the machines and systems that drive our economy are so complex and autonomous as to be indistinguishable from living things.

Recommended by Ev Williams, Steve Jurvetson, Cynthia Johnson, and 1 others.

Steve Jurvetson

The single book that’s had the most influence on me my entire life. … It started my life long fascination of the biological metaphors in technology. [source]

Cynthia Johnson

This book was the basis of The Matrix. It goes down this rabbit hole of where machines begin and end, and where we fit into that. The entire idea is that as we move into this revolutionary, technology-driven world, we then also become parts of that. [source]

Geoffrey Miller

@kevin2kelly Love that book. Read it in grad school. Inspired my evolutionary robotics and artificial life research. [source]

2

Control Systems Engineering

Norman S. Nise

4.8

Emphasizing the practical application of control systems engineering, the new Fourth Edition shows how to analyze and design real-world feedback control systems. Readers learn how to create control systems that support today's advanced technology and apply the latest computer methods to the analysis and design of control systems.
• A methodology with clearly defined steps is presented for each typ

3

Control Systems: Engineering

I. J. Nagrath, M. Gopal

4.7

This book provides an integrated treatment of continuous-time and discrete-time systems. It emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of the subject and examples have been drawn from various engineering disciplines to illustrate the basic system concepts. In particular, the book deals with the modeling of practical systems involving various hardware. Time and frequency domain techniques of the analy

4

Mechatronics: Electronic Control Systems in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering

W. Bolton

4.7

The integration of electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, control and computer engineering - Mechatronics - lies at the heart of the innumerable gadgets, processes and technology without which modern life would seem impossible. From auto-focus cameras to car engine management systems, and from state-of-the-art robots to the humble washing machine, Mechatronics has a hand in them all.

5

Mechatronic System Control, Logic, and Data Acquisition

Robert H. Bishop

4.7

The first comprehensive and up-to-date reference on mechatronics, Robert Bishop's The Mechatronics Handbook was quickly embraced as the gold standard in the field. With updated coverage on all aspects of mechatronics, The Mechatronics Handbook, Second Edition is now available as a two-volume set. Each installment offers focused coverage of a particular area of mechatronics, supplying a convenient

6

Control System Design: An Introduction to State-Space Methods

Bernard Friedland

4.7

Introduction to state-space methods covers feedback control; state-space representation of dynamic systems and dynamics of linear systems; frequency-domain analysis; controllability and observability; and shaping the dynamic response. Additional subjects encompass linear observers; compensator design by the separation principle; linear, quadratic optimum control; random processes; and Kalman filte

7

Systems and Control

Stanislaw H. Zak

4.7

Systems and Control presents modeling, analysis, and control of dynamical systems. Introducing students to the basics of dynamical system theory and supplying them with the tools necessary for control system design, it emphasizes design and demonstrates how dynamical system theory fits into practical applications. Classical methods and the techniques of postmodern control engineering are presented

8

Control Systems Safety Evaluation and Reliability, Third Edition

William M. Goble

4.7

This book is intended to serve a wide variety of users. This updated third edition provides the detailed background necessary to understand how to meet important new safety regulations and reliability engineering topics. Professional control system designers will learn to properly evaluate control system components, various system architectures, how to better communicate with vendors, and how to i

9

Basic and Advanced Regulatory Control: System Design and Application, Third Edition

Harold L. Wade

4.6

This intermediate-level book explains the application of basic and advanced regulatory control strategies for the wet process industries. Rather than mathematical systems theory, the book builds upon the engineer's or technician's own experience and knowledge of processes to demonstrate the application of successful control strategies.
Following a summarization of the characteristics of processes a

10

Digital Signal Processing and the Microcontroller

Dale Grover

4.6

11

Automatic Control: The Power of Feedback Using MATLAB

Theodore E. Djaferis

4.6

This unique, brief, interdisciplinary text uses the concept of automatic control as a unifying idea to explain the field of engineering - and the kinds of problems engineers solve - to first-year students. The author focuses on the basic principle of feedback and shows how it is used to design automatic controllers. Students learn how to develop explicit engineering models, expressed as linear dif

12

Fractional Derivatives with Mittag-Leffler Kernel: Trends and Applications in Science and Engineering

José Francisco Gómez

4.6

13

Discrete-Time Control Systems

Katsuhiko Ogata

4.6

The new edition of this comprehensive digital controls book integrates MATLAB throughout the book. The book has also increased inflexibility and reader friendliness through the streamlining of coverage in Chapters 6 & 7 (controllability, pole placement and observability, and optimal control). The previous edition ISBN is: 0-13-216102-8.

14

Industrial Network Security: Securing Critical Infrastructure Networks for Smart Grid, Scada, and Other Industrial Control Systems

Eric D. Knapp and Joel Thomas Langill

4.6

As the sophistication of cyber-attacks increases, understanding how to defend critical infrastructure systems--energy production, water, gas, and other vital systems--becomes more important, and heavily mandated. Industrial Network Security, Second Edition arms you with the knowledge you need to understand the vulnerabilities of these distributed supervisory and control systems.

The book examines t

15

1st grade Math workbook: CommonCore Math Workbook

Ace Academic Publishing

4.6

1st Grade Common Core Math: Practice Workbook - Practice Questions, Answers & Explanations - Recommended by Teachers - Ace Academic Publishing-Based on Common Core State Standards: Similar to a standardized exam, you can find questions of all types, including multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, true or false, match the correct answer and free-response questions.-High Standards of Questions: Each o

16

Hacking Exposed Industrial Control Systems: ICS and Scada Security Secrets & Solutions

Clint Bodungen, Bryan Singer, et al.

4.6

Publisher's Note: Products purchased from Third Party sellers are not guaranteed by the publisher for quality, authenticity, or access to any online entitlements included with the product.

Secure your ICS and SCADA systems the battle-tested Hacking Exposed(TM) way

This hands-on guide exposes the devious methods cyber threat actors use to compromise the hardware and software central to petroleum pi

17

How to Use and Upgrade to GM Gen III Ls-Series Powertrain Control Systems

Mike Noonan

4.6

Without a doubt, GM's LS Series engines are the hottest thing going right now. Thousands of enthusiasts are either modifying their cars factory equipped with these engines, supported by a robust aftermarket, or converting their vintage muscle cars to run with these efficient and powerful engines. Of course, with technology comes complexity. To get the maximum performance and efficiency out of any

18

System 390 Job Control Language

Gary DeWard Brown

4.6

This authoritative guide to JCL has sold over 200,000 copies. The fourth edition has been revised and updated to reflect the recent changes in the language and its emerging applications, including mission-critical coverage of the two most talked about topics in the field, Year 2000 retrofitting of legacy systems and secure e-commerce. Reformatted to match the profiles of today's programmers, this

19

Industrial Electricity and Motor Controls

Rex Miller and Mark Miller

4.6

The most complete, up-to-date guide to industrial electricity

This practical resource offers comprehensive coverage of the entire electrical field and its equipment, including troubleshooting and repair. You'll learn how to read and interpret schematics and drawings and safely work with all electrical components and systems on the jobsite.

The Second Edition features a new chapter on robotics, a ne

20

Modern Control Systems

Richard C. Dorf, Robert H Bishop

4.6

Modern Control Systems, 12e, is ideal for an introductory undergraduate course in control systems for engineering students.

Written to be equally useful for all engineering disciplines, this text is organized around the concept of control systems theory as it has been developed in the frequency and time domains. It provides coverage of classical control, employing root locus design, frequency and

21

Transactional Information Systems: Theory, Algorithms, and the Practice of Concurrency Control and Recovery

Gerhard Weikum

4.6

Transactional Information Systems is the long-awaited, comprehensive work from leading scientists in the transaction processing field. Weikum and Vossen begin with a broad look at the role of transactional technology in today's economic and scientific endeavors, then delve into critical issues faced by all practitioners, presenting today's most effective techniques for controlling concurrent acces

22

Electric Motors and Control Systems

Frank Petruzella

4.6

Electric Motors and Control Systems has been written for a course of study that will introduce the reader to a broad range of motor types and control systems. It provides an overview of electric motor operation, selection, installation, control and maintenance. Every effort has been made in this edition to present the most up-to-date information which reflects the current needs of the industry. It

23

Error Control Systems for Digital Communication and Storage

Stephen B. Wicker

4.6

This introductory text on error control coding focuses on key implementation issues and performance analysis with applications valuable to both mathematicians and engineers. It features discussion of punctured convolutional codes; performance analysis of block codes; system implementation issues for the Viterbi Decoder and the various decoders for ReedSolomon and BCH codes; the theory of finite fi

24

PE Control Systems: Sample Questions & Solutions

Jagadeesh Pandiyan

4.6

25

Control System Design Guide: Using Your Computer to Understand and Diagnose Feedback Controllers (Revised)

George Ellis

4.6

Control Systems Design Guide has helped thousands of engineers to improve machine performance. This fourth edition of the practical guide has been updated with cutting-edge control design scenarios, models and simulations enabling apps from battlebots to solar collectors. This useful reference enhances coverage of practical applications via the inclusion of new control system models, troubleshooti

Cover unavailable

26

Concurrency Control and Recovery in Database Systems

Philip Bernstein

4.6

27

Linear Control Systems With Matlab Applications 11/e PB

B.S. Manke

4.5

28

Successful Instrumentation and Control Systems Design

Michael D. Whitt

4.5

Whether you're designing a new instrumentation and control (I&C) system, or migrating an existing control system along an upgrade path, you need to have a well-conceived design package - the engineering deliverables and the design process that creates them. This book draws on 25 years of design engineering experience from the author to provide you with a roadmap to understanding the design process

29

Industrial Automated Systems: Instrumentation and Motion Control

Terry L.M. Bartelt

4.5

30

Feedback Control for Computer Systems

Philipp K. Janert

4.5

How can you take advantage of feedback control for enterprise programming? With this book, author Philipp K. Janert demonstrates how the same principles that govern cruise control in your car also apply to data center management and other enterprise systems. Through case studies and hands-on simulations, you’ll learn methods to solve several control issues, including mechanisms to spin up more ser

31

Accounting Information Systems: Controls and Processes, 3rd Edition: Controls and Processes

Leslie Turner, Andrea B. Weickgenannt, et al.

4.5

32

Design of Feedback Control Systems

Raymond T. Stefani, Bahram Shahian, Clement J. Savant, Gene H. Hostetter

4.5

Design of Feedback Control Systems is designed for electrical and mechanical engineering students in advanced undergraduate control systems courses. Now in its fourth edition, this tutorial-style textbook has been completely updated to include the use of modern analytical software, especially MATLAB�. It thoroughly discusses classical control theory and state variable control theory, as well as ad

33

Digital Control of Dynamic Systems

Gene F. Franklin

4.5

This well-respected, market-leading text discusses the use of digital computers in the real-time control of dynamic systems. The emphasis is on the design of digital controls that achieve good dynamic response and small errors while using signals that are sampled in time and quantized in amplitude. Both classical and modern control methods are described and applied to illustrative examples. The st

34

Schaum's Outline of Feedback and Control Systems

Joseph Distefano III, Allen R. Stubberud, et al.

4.5

Study faster, learn better, and get top grades!
Here is the ideal review for your feedback and control systems course

More than 40 million students have trusted Schaum's Outlines for their expert knowledge and helpful solved problems. Written by a renowned expert in this field, "Schaum's Outline of Feedback and Control Systems" covers what you need to know for your course and, more important, your e

35

The DCC Guide

Don Fiehmann

4.5

Digital Command Control (DCC) is the latest improvement in electrical operation of model trains, but it's so much more. DCC can help modelers take advantage of all the new features in modern model trains like realistic sound and smoother switching and running. This comprehensive, all-new volume helps modelers get the most out of DCC with diagrams and photos showing how DCC works - including wiring

36

Programmable Logic Controllers

Frank Petruzella

4.5

The fifth edition of Programmable Logic Controllers continues to provide an up to date introduction to all aspects of PLC programming, installation, and maintaining procedures. Improvements have been made to every chapter. The content, applied programming examples, available instructor and student resources including lesson PowerPoint presentations (with simulated PLC program videos), Test Generat

37

Observers in Control Systems: A Practical Guide

George Ellis

4.5

Observers are digital algorithms that combine sensor outputs with knowledge of the system to provide results superior to traditional structures, which rely wholly on sensors. Observers have been used in selected industries for years, but most books explain them with complex mathematics. Observers in Control Systems uses intuitive discussion, software experiments, and supporting analysis to explain

38

Management Control Systems 4th Edition

Kenneth Merchant and Wim Van der Stede

4.5

This title was recommended as a significant textbook within Bruno S. Frey and Christoph A. Schaltegger (eds), 21st Century Economics - Economic Ideas You Should Read and Remember (Springer, 2019).

As the market-leading text for Management Control and performance measurement, Management Control Systems 4th Edition will give you a thorough understanding of core concepts and key topics. Including a wi

39

Instrumentation and Control Systems Documentation

Frederick A. Meier and Clifford A. Meier

4.5

This second edition revises and updates the award-winning 2004 publication, incorporating improvements suggested by readers and to reflect subsequent changes in industry practice. It provides the knowledge needed to understand and develop the documents and symbols that define a modern industrial measurement and control system. In addition, it uses industry standards, especially ANSI/ISA-5.1-2009 -

40

Computer-Controlled Systems: Theory and Design

Karl Johan Astrom

4.5

This book provides a balanced survey of theory and practical aspects of computer-controlled systems. Design methods are given substantial coverage.

FEATURES:

NEW—Reorganized for greater flexibility: the first nine chapters provide enough material for a short course, while more advanced material is left for later chapters. NEW—Earlier introduction to design of digital controllers (Chapter 4). NEW

41

CRISC Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control All-in-One Exam Guide

Bobby Rogers

4.5

42

Adaptation in Natural and Artificial Systems: An Introductory Analysis with Applications to Biology, Control, and Artificial Intelligence

John H. Holland

4.5

Genetic algorithms are playing an increasingly important role in studies of complex adaptive systems, ranging from adaptive agents in economic theory to the use of machine learning techniques in the design of complex devices such as aircraft turbines and integrated circuits. Adaptation in Natural and Artificial Systems is the book that initiated this field of study, presenting the theoretical foun

43

System Dynamics: Modeling, Simulation, and Control of Mechatronic Systems

Dean C. Karnopp

4.5

An expanded new edition of the bestselling system dynamics book using the bond graph approach

A major revision of the go-to resource for engineers facing the increasingly complex job of dynamic systems design, System Dynamics, Fifth Edition adds a completely new section on the control of mechatronic systems, while revising and clarifying material on modeling and computer simulation for a wide var

44

Machine Learning Mathematics: Study Deep Learning Through Data Science. How to Build Artificial Intelligence Through Concepts of Statistics, Algorithms, Analysis and Data Mining

Samuel Hack

4.5

45

Mechanical Measurements and Instrumentation (Including Metrology and Control Systems)

William Bolton

4.5

46

Show Networks and Control Systems: Formerly "Control Systems for Live Entertainment"

John Huntington

4.5

Show Networks and Control Systems, the industry standard since 1994, is both a learning guide for beginners and a reference for experienced technicians. With its unique combined focus on computers, networks, and control systems, the book covers the art and practice of using these tools for live shows such as concerts, theatre productions, theme park attractions, themed-retail installations, cruise

47

Access Control Authentication & Public Key Infrastructure 2e

Mike Chapple, Bill Ballad, et al.

4.5

PART OF THE NEW JONES & BARTLETT LEARNING INFORMATION SYSTEMS SECURITY & ASSURANCE SERIES! Access control protects resources against unauthorized viewing, tampering, or destruction. They serve as a primary means of ensuring privacy, confidentiality, and prevention of unauthorized disclosure. The first part of Access Control, Authentication, and Public Key Infrastructure defines the components of a

48

Modern Digital Electronics

Jain

4.5

Mumbai University textbook for Logic Circuits course.

49

Management Control Systems

Robert N Anthony Prof Management Control

4.5

Management Control Systems helps students to develop the insight and analytical skills required from today's managers. Students uncover how real-world managers design and use planning and control systems to implement business strategies. This first European Edition is an adaptation of the market leading text Management Control Systems by Anthony and Govindarajan and is aimed specifically at intern

50

Industrial Control Electronics

Terry L.M. Bartelt

4.5

This new edition continues to provide state-of-the-art coverage of the entire spectrum of industrial control, from servomechanisms to instrumentation. Material on the components, circuits, instruments, and control techniques used in today's industrial automated systems has been fully updated to include new information on thyristors and sensor interfacing and updated information on AC variable spee

51

Control Of Machines

S.K. Bhattacharya

4.5

Control of Machines is one of the most important functional areas for electrical and mechanical engineers working in industry. In this era of automation and control, every engineer has to acquaint himself on the design installation, and maintenance of control systems. This subject must find its place as a compulsory applied engineering subject in degree and diploma curriculum.Some progressive stat

52

Control Systems Engineer Technical Reference Handbook

Chuck Cornell

4.5

This book is an excellent technical reference guide for the control systems professional, as well as a study aid for the CSE Professional Engineer Exam. It provides a detailed insightful view into the fields

of measurement, final control elements, signals/transmission/networking, automation/control systems, relief devices, codes/standards, such as NEC, NFPA

70E, hazardous areas, safety instrumented

53

Industrial Automation and Process Control Security: SCADA, DCS, PLC, HMI

Tyson Macaulay

4.5

54

Modern Control System Theory

M. Gopal

4.5

The book provides an integrated treatment of continuous-time and discrete-time systems for two courses at postgraduate level, or one course at undergraduate and one course at postgraduate level. It covers mainly two areas of modern control theory, namely: system theory, and multivariable and optimal control. The coverage of the former is quite exhaustive while that of latter is adequate with signi

55

Electronic Access Control

Thomas L. Norman

4.5

Electronic Access Control introduces the fundamentals of electronic access control through clear, well-illustrated explanations. Access Control Systems are difficult to learn and even harder to master due to the different ways in which manufacturers approach the subject and the myriad complications associated with doors, door frames, hardware, and electrified locks.

This book consolidates this info

56

The Digital Zone System: Taking Control from Capture to Print

Robert Fisher

4.5

There is an ongoing debate among photographers whether digital photography processes will ever be able to reach the pinnacle of image quality and tonality achieved by Ansel Adams decades ago. The Digital Zone System (DZS) is an innovative methodology for editing digital images that mimics the Zone System created by Adams.

With this book, author Robert Fisher presents a practical guide for editing

57

MATLAB Control Systems Engineering

Cesar Lopez

4.5

MATLAB is a high-level language and environment for numerical computation, visualization, and programming. Using MATLAB, you can analyze data, develop algorithms, and create models and applications. The language, tools, and built-in math functions enable you to explore multiple approaches and reach a solution faster than with spreadsheets or traditional programming languages, such as C/C++ or Java

58

Feedback Systems: An Introduction for Scientists and Engineers

Karl Johan Åström

4.5

This book provides an introduction to the mathematics needed to model, analyze, and design feedback systems. It is an ideal textbook for undergraduate and graduate students, and is indispensable for researchers seeking a self-contained reference on control theory. Unlike most books on the subject, Feedback Systems develops transfer functions through the exponential response of a system, and is acc

59

Digital Control System Analysis and Design

Charles L. Phillips

4.5

A text for a first course in discrete control systems or a first course in digital filters, at senior or first-year graduate level. Covers discrete-time systems and the z-transform, stability analysis techniques, digital controller design, and digital filter structures. The appendices list design eq

60

Real World Instrumentation with Python: Automated Data Acquisition and Control Systems

J. M. Hughes

4.5

Learn how to develop your own applications to monitor or control instrumentation hardware. Whether you need to acquire data from a device or automate its functions, this practical book shows you how to use Python's rapid development capabilities to build interfaces that include everything from software to wiring. You get step-by-step instructions, clear examples, and hands-on tips for interfacing

61

Automotive Fuel and Emissions Control Systems

James D. Halderman

4.4

Provides comprehensive, up-to-date coverage of all aspects of automotive fuel and emissions KEY TOPICS: Automotive fuel, engine performance, ignition system, emission controls, scan tools, automotive engine performance MARKET For courses in Engine Performance and Drivability, Fuel Emissions Systems, and Automotive Principles

62

Feedback Control of Dynamic Systems

Gene F. Franklin, J. David Powell, Abbas Emami-Naeini

4.4

Emphasizing modern topics and techniques, this text blends theory and real world practice, mixes design and analysis, introduces design early, and represents physically what occurs mathematically in feedback control of dynamic systems. Highlights of the book include realistic problems and examples from a wide range of application areas. New to this edition are: much sharper pedagogy; an increase i

63

MATLAB Tools for Control System Analysis and Design

B. C. Kuo, Duane C. Hanselman

4.4

This book/software package provides students with ready-to-use M-files for the analysis and design of linear control systems. Introductory material on the theory of feedback control is integrated with programs so that students can obtain an on-hand review. The text provdies software functions throughout that are user-interactive and menu driven, so that students do not need to know much about MATL

64

Visual Controls: Applying Visual Management to the Factory

Chris A. Ortiz and Murry Park

4.4

An effective visual communication system can help manufacturing employees eliminate significant waste from daily tasks. From work-zone color coding to posted metrics, visual controls clarify and simplify the path to enhanced processes and profits.

Leaving little to chance, Visual Controls: Applying Visual Management to the Factory provides a detailed explanation of how to apply the Lean principle

65

It Governance in Hospitals and Health Systems

Roger Kropf

4.4

Without a governance structure, IT at many hospitals and healthcare systems is a haphazard endeavor that typically results in late, over-budget projects and, ultimately, disparate systems. IT Governance in Hospitals and Health Systems offers a practical "how to" in creating an information technology governance process that ensures the IT projects supporting a hospital or health systems' strategy a

66

Fractional-order Systems and PID Controllers: Using Scilab and Curve Fitting Based Approximation Techniques (Studies in Systems, Decision and Control)

Kishore Bingi

4.4

67

Intelligent Systems

Alexander M. Meystel

4.4

This comprehensive treatment of the field of intelligent systems is written by two of the foremost authorities in the field. The authors clearly examine the theoretical and practical aspects of these systems. The book focuses on the NIST-RCS (Real-time Control System) model that has been used recently in the Mars Rover.

68

The Mathematics of the Uncertain: A Tribute to Pedro Gil (Studies in Systems, Decision and Control (142))

Eduardo Gil

4.4

69

Formation Control: Approaches for Distributed Agents (Studies in Systems, Decision and Control)

Hyo-Sung Ahn

4.4

70

The HCS12 / 9S12: An Introduction to Software and Hardware Interfacing

Han-Way Huang

4.4

71

Introduction to Engineering Statistics and Lean Six SIGMA: Statistical Quality Control and Design of Experiments and Systems

Theodore T. Allen

4.4

The Toyota Production System, or lean production, has long been regarded as critical to business success in many industries. Over the last ten years, instruction in six sigma has been increasingly linked with learning about the elements of lean production. Introduction to Engineering Statistics and Lean Sigma builds on the success of its first edition (Introduction to Engineering Statistics and Si

72

Applied Control Theory For Embedded Systems

Tim Wescott

4.4

73

Designing Distributed Control Systems: A Pattern Language Approach

Veli-Pekka Eloranta

4.4

Designing Distributed Control Systems presents 80 patterns for designing distributed machine control system software architecture (forestry machinery, mining drills, elevators, etc.). These patterns originate from state-of-the-art systems from market-leading companies, have been tried and tested, and will address typical challenges in the domain, such as long lifecycle, distribution, real-time and