ECE 240Introduction to Linear Dynamical Systems
Introduction to applied linear algebra and linear dynamical systems with applications to circuits, signal processing, communications, and control systems. Topics include the following: Least-squares approximations of over-determined equations and least-norm solutions of underdetermined equations. Symmetric matrices, matrix norm and singular value decomposition. Eigenvalues, left and right eigenvectors, and dynamical interpretation. Matrix exponential, stability, and asymptotic behavior. Multi-input multi-output systems, impulse and step matrices; convolution and transfer matrix descriptions. Control, reachability, state transfer, and least-norm inputs. Observability and least-squares state estimation. (Formerly CMPE 240.)
Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; undergraduates may enroll if they have completed ECE 103 and AM 147.
- * For permission code consideration, please complete the ECE 240 permission code request form.: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeSGwjyQk7o7wBD7f_aKr2isSxzCz5qs2YAlB_Ywwgx74eajQ/viewform
- * Notification regarding initial code priority will be provided by Friday, June 5th. Please note that code distribution is contingent on class capacity (which may not be determined until closer to the start of the fall Term), and may require verification of Spring and/or Summer term course completion. Undergraduates with questions should contact Baskin Advising: https://undergrad.engineering.ucsc.edu/advising/advising-hours-and-information/
Find a section and add it to your scheduleLive seat counts, time-conflict checks and the walk from your previous class.
When it runs
Fall 2026Open Fall 2026
| Section | Type | When | Where | Instructor | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Lecture | Tue Thu 3:20pm–4:55pm | N. Sci Annex 102 | S. McGuire | Open 24/25 |
Fall 2025Open Fall 2025
| Section | Type | When | Where | Instructor | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Lecture | Tue Thu 11:40am–1:15pm | PhysSciences 136 | Y. Zhang | Open 25/35 |
Who teaches it
| Instructor | Rating | Difficulty | Would take again | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steve Mcguire | 4.0 / 5 | 3.8 / 5 | 80% | 20 |
From RateMyProfessors, which is student-submitted and not a survey. Small review counts move a long way on one bad quarter.
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