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What is a Control System?
A control system manages, commands, and directs the behavior of other devices or systems. It
operates on an input-process-output cycle, where the output is controlled by varying the input.
These systems are prevalent in electronics, automation, and engineering.
It consists of three primary components:
Sensor: Senses physical characteristics (e.g., pressure, temperature) and converts them
into an electrical signal.
Controller: Generates an output signal based on the sensor input.
Actuator: Controlled by the output signal from the controller.
Examples of Control Systems
Control systems are used in many day-to-day applications:
Elevators: Regulate acceleration and braking mechanisms.
Smart Coffee Machines: Control water temperature, coffee strength, and brewing rate to
achieve the desired flavor.
Home Security and Automation: Monitor aspects like cameras, sensors, and motion
detectors.
Traffic Light Control Systems: Determine the duration for which each light is turned on
based on input signals.
Classification of Control Systems
Control systems can be classified based on several parameters:
Type of Signal
Continuous Signal: Control signals are continuous with respect to time.
Discrete Signal: Consists of discrete signals.
Number of Inputs and Outputs
SISO (Single Input Single Output): One input and one output.
MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output): Two or more inputs and outputs.
Feedback Path
Open Loop Control System: Control action is independent of the desired output and
typically requires human intervention.
Closed Loop Control System: Control action depends on the output, and the input is
processed to give a signal.
Types of Control Systems
There are two primary types of control systems:
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Open-loop control system
Closed-loop control system
Open-Loop Control System
An open-loop control system is one in which the output signal is not fed back to the
input. It is also referred to as a non-feedback control system. The output has no
control over the control action of the system and follows input signals regardless of
the final results.
Components include a controller and a plant (or processing system). The input is supplied to the
controller, which produces an actuating signal. This signal is then supplied to the plant to be
controlled.
A major disadvantage is its inability to handle disturbances effectively.
Examples: traffic light system, field-controlled DC motor, automatic washing machine,
immersion rod.
Closed-Loop Control System
A closed-loop control system is one in which the output signal is fed back to the
input. In this system, the control action is a function of the desired output signal.
The image above illustrates the block diagram of a closed-loop control system. It includes a
comparator, controller, plant, feedback element, and output. The comparator generates an
error signal based on the input and feedback signals, which the controller uses to produce an
actuating signal for the plant. The output is continuously monitored and adjusted to achieve
desired performance.
Key components: controller, plant, error detector (comparator), and feedback element.
The error detector produces an error signal by comparing the input and feedback signals. The
controller then uses this error signal to adjust the plant and achieve the desired results
automatically.
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Examples: air conditioner system, rocket launching system, radar tracking system, human
respiratory system.
Block Diagram
A block diagram represents a control system using blocks that represent the functions of
different components. These blocks are interconnected by directed lines indicating the direction
of signal flow.
Elements of a Block Diagram
Functional Block: Represents the transfer function G(s) of a system.
Summing Point: Adds different signals to form a single signal.
Take-Off Point: Taps off a signal for use elsewhere in the diagram.
Block Diagram Algebra
Block diagram algebra involves the basic elements of a block diagram and is used to find the
overall transfer function of a system by reducing the block diagram.
Rules for Block Diagram Algebra
There are several ways to connect blocks in a block diagram:
1. Series Connection
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In a series connection, the blocks are cascaded. The overall transfer function is the p
2. Parallel Connection
In a parallel connection, the blocks are arranged in parallel paths. The overall transfe
3. Feedback Connection
In a feedback connection, the output is fed back to the input. The overall transfer func
4. Shifting The Summing Point After The Block
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5. Shifting The Summing Point Before The Block
6. Shifting the Take Off Point After The Block
7. Shifting The Take Off Point Before The Block
Block Diagram Reduction
Block diagram reduction is a technique used to simplify complex interconnected systems
represented by block diagrams.
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Example of Block Diagram Reduction
Design of Control Systems
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Define Control Objectives: Specify performance criteria such as stability, transient
response, steady-state error, robustness, and disturbance rejection.
System Modeling: Develop mathematical models using differential equations, transfer
functions, or state-space representation.
Analyze the System: Perform time-domain analysis (e.g., step response, impulse
response) and frequency-domain analysis (e.g., Bode plot, Nyquist plot) to understand
system behavior.
Select a Control Strategy: Choose appropriate control techniques such as PID, lead-lag
compensation, state-space control, or optimal control.
Design the Controller: Calculate controller parameters (e.g., PID gains) using methods
like root locus, frequency response, or pole placement.
Simulate the System: Implement the control design in simulation software (e.g.,
MATLAB/Simulink) to verify performance.
Implement and Test the Controller: Apply the controller to the physical system and
validate against design criteria. Adjust parameters as needed.
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