PAMANTASAN NG CABUYAO

COLLEGE OF COMPUTING AND ENGINEERING

COURSE CODE: CPP111

COURSE DESCRIPTION: FEEDBACK CONTROL SYSTEM

COURSE INTENDED On the completion of the course, student is expected to be able to do the
LEARNING OUTCOMES: following:

1. Describe how control system works on different applications on

the industry.
2. Design and formulate control system representation using
diagrams.
3. Design different control system relevant to the industry using
simulation software’s and diagrams.

LEARNING MATERIAL FOR 7

WEEK NUMBER:

I. TITLE: Introduction to Block Diagram

II. OBJECTIVES: By the end of this module you should be able to:
1. Identify a block diagram representation of a physical system
2. Explain the function of an automatic control system.
3. Explain the difference between an open loop and closed loop
control system using block diagram

III. INTRODUCTION: This module introduces a representation of a system called block diagram.
Here block diagram of a control system pictorially represents a system.
By using visual illustration, even a very complex system can be simplified
for the purpose of analysis.

The block diagram representation of a system is nothing but an

interconnection of multiple elements of the system. This interconnection
using blocks allows a convenient analysis of the system.

IV. CONTENTS:

Lesson Coverage:

1. Introduction to Block Diagram

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COLLEGE OF COMPUTING AND ENGINEERING

INTRODUCTION TO BLOCK DIAGRAM

BLOCK DIAGRAM

This feedback loop helps to provide a part of the input back to the input.

Figure shows a Block Diagram

Elements of Block Diagram

Functional Block: The functional block represents the elements or components of the control system. Basically,
in block diagram representation, each element of the control system is represented by a block. This block is the
functional block.

Thus we can say that a specific block represents the mathematical operation performed by that element on the
input in order to achieve the desired output.

The transfer function of the block shows the mathematical function of the element present as a block.

Summing Point: The point in the block diagram representation where the multiple signals are compared is
known as the summing point.

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COLLEGE OF COMPUTING AND ENGINEERING

Take-off Point: In a closed-loop system, part of the output is fed back to the input that acts as feedback for the
system. So, the take-off point is that point from where a portion of the signal is taken as feedback for the system.

It is noteworthy at the time of drawing the block diagram of a control system that the interconnection of blocks,
summing points, and take-off points must be done exactly in the way in which the elements are present in the
practical system.

The elements in the block diagram are connected using lines or branches. While arrowheads represent the
direction of flow of signal inside the block as the signal flows only in a unidirectional path.

Canonical form of Control System

We know that a closed-loop system uses a feedback loop thus is considered better than the open-loop system.

A block diagram representation in which there is only one forward and feedback block along with a single
summing point and take-off point is the simplest form of closed-loop control system. It is also known as the
canonical form of a closed-loop system.

The figure below shows a simple closed-loop system:

Example:

Suppose we have a liquid level system as shown below and we have to represent this system in the form of a
block diagram with the respective blocks for each element.

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COLLEGE OF COMPUTING AND ENGINEERING

Firstly, we have to identify the overall elements present in the system. As we can see that the above system
contains a controller, a valve, a water tank, and a float. Basically, this system operates in a way that water from
an outlet flows into the tank.

However, a valve is present which can start or stop the flow of water inside the tank. This valve is controlled by
the controller. Also, the system is incorporated with a float that senses the level of the water.

Basically, the controller generates the signal regarding when to open or close the valve of the tank. But for this,
the controller also needs to know that when it is required to be opened or closed.

So, the position of the float present in the system informs the controller about the level of water in the tank.
Suppose the level of water in the tank is below the level specified by the controller. So, the position of the float
inside the tank notifies the controller that the valve must be kept open so that the water can flow inside the tank.

Once the specified level is reached then the controller generates the signal and the valve will get closed. The
closure of the valve will automatically stop any further flow of water inside the tank until the reception of the next
command.

As we can see that the tank contains an outlet from where the water is allowed to leave the tank. So, if water
flows out from that outlet then the position of the float will automatically inform the controller that the water level
is again decreased from the desired level.

So, the controller further sends a signal to again open the valve and start the flow of liquid inside the tank. In the
time being, the controller continuously monitors the position of the float inside the tank and accordingly sends
the signal to the valve.

Thus, from this discussion, we can say that float acts as the feedback of this water level control system and the
tank here is the process which is needed to be controlled by the controller.

Therefore, representing these elements in the form of a block diagram:

Block diagrams are much in use in control theory, and we can have block diagrams in the time plane (differential
equations) and in the s plane (transfer functions).

Often, we need to find the total transfer function (from input to output) from a block diagram that contains of
several blocks. The most used rules are for serial, parallel and feedback blocks.

This figure is for the SERIAL

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COLLEGE OF COMPUTING AND ENGINEERING

This figure is for the PARALLEL

This figure is for the FEEDBACK

Block Diagram Representation (Addition and Subtraction)

The operations of addition and subtraction have a special representation. The block becomes a small circle,
called a summing point, with the appropriate plus or minus sign associated with the arrows entering the circle.
The output is the algebraic sum of the inputs. Any number of inputs may enter a summing point. We may put a
cross in the circle.

Block Diagram Representation (takeoff (pickoff) point)

In order to have the same signal or variable be an input to more than one block or summing point, a takeoff (or
pickoff) point is used. This permits the signal to proceed unaltered along several different paths to several
destinations.

Example:

Draw the Block Diagram

1. x3 = a1x1 + a2x2 – 5

Consider the following equations in which x1, x2, x3, are variables, and a1, a2 are general coefficients or
mathematical operators.

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COLLEGE OF COMPUTING AND ENGINEERING

Canonical Form of a Feedback Control System:

Forward transfer function = G(s)

Feedback transfer function = H(s)

Open-loop transfer function = G(s)H(s)

Canonical Form of A Feedback Control System:

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COLLEGE OF COMPUTING AND ENGINEERING

V. REFERENCES: Hudson D. (2020), Python for Beginners, Larsen and Keller, Penn Plaza NY, USA

Tockey S. (2020), How to Engineer Software, Wiley IEEE Press, Piscataway, USA

Pomperada J. (2019), Python Programming for Beginners.Mindshapers INC,

Intramuros Manila, PH

VI. ASSESSMENT TASK:

Assessment task is posted as scheduled in our MS Team.

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