Block Diagrams

Definition:

• A block diagram is a drawing illustration

of a system whose major parts or
components are represented by blocks.
These blocks are joined by lines to display
the relationship between subsequent
blocks.
• We use block diagrams to visualize the
functional view of a system. It uses blocks
connected with lines to represent
components of a system. With a block
diagram, you can easily illustrate the
essential parts of a software design or
engineering system and depict the data
flow in a process flow chart. You can learn
everything about a block diagram,
including its uses and types.
Block Diagram Symbols and Basic Components

Symbol Name Function

Blocks Rectangular blocks in a block diagram represent operations in the system. It
is usually connected with two lines from left and right, and one of the lines
carries the input while the other gives the output.
Lines Lines in a block diagram depicts the system process flow and the
interrelationship of components and operations. You can use a straight line
to connect blocks and arrowhead to represent the process flow.
Summation A cross inside a circle is the summation symbol in a block diagram. It is
commonly used in charts from engineering systems, and it sums two inputs
together and gives a single output.
Differentiator We use “S” in a small block as the differentiator symbol in a block diagram,
and it computes the rate of input and output in the system. You can also use
it as a rate take symbol by replacing the "S" with "rate".
Integrator We use the mathematical symbol for integration to illustrate an integrator in
a block diagram. You can use various shapes with the integration symbol to
customize your integrator.
These block components are mainly five and
include:

• Block: It represents the logical and physical components

of the system.
• Part: It comprises all aspects modeled using
aggregation and association.
• Reference: It has all the parts which were developed
using aggregation and association.
• Standard Port: This is the point of interaction between a
system block and the corresponding environment.
• Flow Port: This is the point of interaction where a block
can emerge from or to.
It is essential to understand the terms used in
describing the relationships within Block Diagrams.
These are:
• Association: It explains the communication amongst the
blocks.
• Aggregation: This term describes how a unit gets made
of parts.
• Composition: It is a proper form of aggregation in
which the existence of an object which is part of a unit
relies on the presence of the group.
• Generalization: Is a leading relationship between
blocks in which a designated block contains all the
properties of the entire block diagram.
Why are block diagrams important
• What significant role do Block Diagrams play? Well, a Block Diagram is a
fundamental way that hardware and software developers utilize to describe
these systems while illustrating their workflows and processes. Electricians,
on another hand, need them to represent systems and their shifting, for
example, the mechatronic systems in the trucking industry.
• They make it easier to represent complicated algorithms or flows of details
or communication among precise components, for instance, in a mass
production facility. Graphically represented project processes are less
strenuous to understand than when they are in text form.
• When you walk into a room with a block diagram, you will be able to easily
decipher the system’s details, interface, and such as structure aspects. It is
all thanks to how the blocks are connected intellectually to one another by
lines. Blocks are convenient when designing new processes and upgrading
those that already exist.
Block Diagrams for process control
• This block diagram example is of a feedback control system. It is used to
display the essential elements of the system through simple and clear
interconnectedness. While studying one, it is very crucial to keep in mind
that a block diagram only represents flow paths of control signals. Do not
be misled to thinking that it also shows how energy gets transferred
throughout the system or process.
Tips for making a block diagram
• Study and understand the system firsthand. Find out the method that you
will use to make a block diagram. Figure out its components, inputs, and
outputs.
• Design and mark the diagram. Use symbols intellectually to represent
specific parts of the system. Always connect the blocks using arrows to
show the flow of the process. Naming the blocks is very crucial for easy
identification.
• Show the Input and Output. Ensure you exactly mark the input, which
indicates the start, and the output, that indicates the end of a process in a
block diagram.
• Accuracy verification. Before putting the diagram out there for use, confirm
with the concerned and involved team about its accuracy. You should all be
on the same page regarding the block diagram’s correctness.
Signal Flow Graph
Definition
• A signal flow graph consists of a network in
which nodes are connected by directed
branches.

• It depicts the flow of signal from one point of a

system to another and gives the relationship
among the signal.
Fundamentals of Signal Flow Graphs
• Consider a simple equation below and draw its flow graph:

• The signal flow graph of the equation is shown below:

• Every variable in a signal flow graph is designed by a Node.

• Every transmission function in a signal flow graph is
designed by a Branch.
• Branch is a line segment which joins two nodes.
• Branches are always unidirectional.
• The arrow in the branch denotes the direction of the signal
flow.
Terminology
• Node is a point which represents either a variable or signal.
• An input node or source contain only the outgoing branches. i.e., X1
• An output node or sink contain only the incoming branches. i.e., X4
• A path is a continuous, unidirectional succession of branches along which
no node is passed more than ones. i.e.,
X1 to X2 to X3 to X4 X1 to X2 to X4 X2 to X3 to X4
• A forward path is a path from the input node to the output node. i.e.,
X1 to X2 to X3 to X4, and X1 to X2 to X4, are forward paths.
• A feedback path or feedback loop is a path which originates and
teminates on the same node, i.e.; X2 to X3 and back to X2 is a feedback
path.
Mason’s Rule (Mason, 1953)
• The block diagram reduction technique requires
successive application of fundamental relationships in
order to arrive at the system transfer function.

• On the other hand, Mason’s rule for reducing a signal-

flow graph to a single transfer function requires the
application of one formula.

• The formula was derived by S.J. Mason when he related

the signal-flow graph to the simultaneous equations that
can be written from the graph.
Mason’s Rule

Where,

n = number of forward paths.

Pi = the i th forward-path gain

∆i = Determinant of the i th forward path

∆ is called the signal flow graph determinant or characterictic

function

Since, ∆ = 0 is the system characteristic equation.

Mason’s Rule

∆ = 1- (sum of all individual loop transmittance) + (sum of the products

of loop transmittance of all possible pairs of Non Touching loops) -
(sum of the products of loop transmittance of Triple of Non touching
loop) + ...

∆i = Calculate ∆ for ith path

= 1 - (loop transmittance of single Non Touching loops with forward
path) + (loop transmittance of pair of Non Touching loops with
forward path)
Systematic Approach
• Calculate forward path gain Pi for each forward
path i.
• Calculate all loops transfer function.
• Consider non touching loops 2 at a time
• Consider non touching loops 3 at a time
• Calculate ∆ from steps 2,3,4 and 5
• Calculate ∆i as portion of ∆ not touching forward
path i.
Example:
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