Panos J. Antsaklis
Proceedings of the IEEE, Special Issue on Hybrid Systems: Theory and Applications,
P.J. Antsaklis, Ed., Vol.88, No.7, pp. 879-887, July 2000.
Abstract -- The hybrid systems of interest contain two distinct types
of components, subsystems with continuous dynamics and subsystems with discrete
dynamics that interact with each other. Such hybrid systems arise in varied
contexts in manufacturing, communication networks, auto-pilot design, automotive
engine control, computer synchronization, traffic control, and chemical processes,
among others. Hybrid systems have a central role in embedded control systems
that interact with the physical world. They also arise from the hierarchical
organization of complex systems, and from the interaction of discrete planning
algorithms and continuous control algorithms in autonomous, intelligent systems.
In this article, a brief introduction to the theory and applications of hybrid
systems is presented and an outline of the papers in this special issue is given.
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