llany systems encountered in practice involve a coupling between contin uous dynamics and discrete events. Systems in which these two kinds of dynamics coexist and interact are usually called hybrid. For example, the following phenomena give rise to hybrid behavior: a valve or a power switch opening and closing; a thermostat turning the heat on and off; biological cells growing and dividing; a server switching between buffers in a queueing network; aircraft entering, crossing, and leaving an air traffic control region; dynamics of a car changing abruptly due to wheels locking and unlocking on...

The theory of switched systems is related to the study of hybrid systems, which has gained attention from control theorists, computer scientists, and practicing engineers. This book examines switched systems from a control-theoretic perspective, focusing on stability analysis and control synthesis of systems that combine continuous dynamics with switching events. It includes a vast bibliography and a section of technical and historical notes.