HOW TO USE THIS MATERIAL

1. The Priority-First Preparation Strategy

 Identify Your Passing Modules: Start by focusing on Module 2 (Block Diagrams & SFG)
and Module 4 (Stability Analysis). These are your 'Passing Modules' because they rely
on fixed, step-by-step algorithms (like Routh Array, Root Locus, and Mason’s Gain
Formula) that appear in almost every paper.
 The Buffer Module: If you need to secure a higher grade, use Module 3 (Time Response
Analysis) as your buffer. It relies on standard, non-changing formulas for rise time,
overshoot, and steady-state error, making it highly predictable.
 Theoretical Coverage: Use Section 1 (High Probability Theory) of each module only after
you have practiced the problems. Since VTU prioritizes numericals, cover the theoretical
definitions for quick, short-answer marks.

2. Executing Your Study Plan (4-Day Crunch)

 Day 1 (Module 2): Master the 6 block diagram reduction rules and the Mason’s Gain
Formula algorithm.
 Day 2 (Module 4): Practice Routh array construction for various polynomials and learn
the 5 basic rules of Root Locus construction.
 Day 3 (Module 3 & 1): Focus on 2nd order time-domain formulas and steady-state error
constants. Read Module 1 theory questions (Open vs. Closed loop).
 Day 4 (Module 5 & Final Review): Practice state-space model conversions and Bode plot
basics. Finish with the One Night Revision section.

3. Maximizing Exam Performance

 Reference the Source Papers: Every problem listed includes a citation like (Refer Jun
2026 Paper, Q.01, Page 1). Use these citations to look at the exact figures and numerical
values in your original PDFs.
 Do Not Leave Blank: Even if a problem is difficult, draw the initial circuit or write the
standard characteristic equation. VTU evaluation often provides step marks for initial
setups.
 Formula Discipline: Always write the core formula (e.g., Mason’s Gain Formula, Routh
Array setup) at the beginning of your answer.
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 CONTROL SYSTEMS MASTER PDF
Exam-Oriented Guide (VTU CBCS Scheme2022)

MODULE 1: Modeling of Systems

SECTION 1: HIGH PROBABILITY THEORY

1. Compare open loop and closed loop control system with practical example.

2. Define Control system and list the requirements of a good control system.

3. List the merits and demerits of closed loop system over the open loop system.

4. Define Servomechanism and explain the salient features of an AC servomotor.

5. Explain the concept of gear trains with relevant expressions.

SECTION 2: HIGH PROBABILITY PROBLEMS

1. Construct the nodal equivalent circuit and write the differential equations for the system
shown in Fig 1. (Refer Jun 2026 Paper, Q.01, Page 1)

2. For the system shown in Fig.Q1(b), find the transfer function G(s)=θ₂(s)/T(s). (Refer Dec
2024 Paper, Q.1(b), Page 8)

3. For the lead-lag filter shown in Fig.Q2(a), find the transfer function Vₒ(s)/Vᵢ(s). (Refer
Dec 2024 Paper, Q.2(a), Page 8)

4. Draw the mechanical network for the system shown in Fig. 2(b) and write its equations of
performance. (Refer Jun 2026 Paper, Q.01, Page 1)

SECTION 3: SCORING QUESTIONS

1. Define Transfer function.

2. Distinguish between open loop and closed loop control system.

3. What are the variables and elements of translational motion?

MODULE 2: Block Diagrams & SFG PASSING MODULE

SECTION 1: HIGH PROBABILITY THEORY

1. Explain Mason's Gain Formula with suitable example.

2. Give any six block diagram reduction rules to find the transfer function.

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3. Properties of signal flow graph.

4. Procedure for drawing Block diagram and block diagram reduction to find Transfer
Function.

5. Interpret the transfer function by converting the block diagram into signal flow graph.

SECTION 2: HIGH PROBABILITY PROBLEMS

1. Apply Block diagram reduction technique to find the transfer function C(S)/R(s) for the
system shown in Fig 5. (Refer Jun 2026 Paper, Q.03, Page 2)

2. Construct the signal flow graph for the block diagram shown in Fig 6 and find the transfer
function using Mason's gain formula. (Refer Jun 2026 Paper, Q.03, Page 2)

3. Apply Mason's Gain formula to find the transfer function for the signal flow graph shown
from Fig 8. (Refer Jun 2026 Paper, Q.04, Page 2)

4. Find the overall transfer function using block diagram reduction technique for the system
shown in Fig. 3(b). (Refer Dec 2024 Paper, Q.3(b), Page 9)

SECTION 3: SCORING QUESTIONS

1. Compare signal flow graph and block diagram.

2. State Mason’s gain formula.

MODULE 3: Time Response Analysis

SECTION 1: HIGH PROBABILITY THEORY

1. Derive the expression for (i) Rise time (ii) Peak overshoot of an underdamped second
order control system.

2. Define steady state error and derive the static error components for Type 2 systems.

3. Explain the standard test signals (Step, Ramp, Impulse, Parabolic) with graphical
representation.

4. Obtain an expression for response of first order system for unit step input.

5. Analyze the effect of PD controller for 2nd order control system.

SECTION 2: HIGH PROBABILITY PROBLEMS

1. Analyze the response curve in Fig 10 to find mass M, spring constant K and the dashpot B.
(Refer Jun 2026 Paper, Q.06, Page 3)

2. Find all the time domain specifications for a unity feedback control system whose open
loop transfer function is G(S)=25/s(s+5). (Refer Jun 2026 Paper, Q.05, Page 3)

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3. Determine (i) position, velocity and acceleration error constants (ii) The steady state
error for G(S)=10(S+2)/S²(S+1). (Refer Jun 2026 Paper, Q.06, Page 3)

SECTION 3: SCORING QUESTIONS

1. Define time domain specifications of the second order system with diagram.

2. What are the standard test signals?

MODULE 4: Stability Analysis PASSING MODULE

SECTION 1: HIGH PROBABILITY THEORY

1. Analyze the stability of the system using R-H criteria for S^5+S^4+2S^3+2S^2+3S+5=0.

2. Explain the step-by-step procedure for constructing a root locus.

3. Explain the angle condition and magnitude condition in Root locus.

4. Define Gain margin, Phase margin, Gain cross over frequency.

5. Discuss the effect of adding poles and zeros on the root locus.

SECTION 2: HIGH PROBABILITY PROBLEMS

1. Analyze the stability of a control system with open-loop transfer function K(S+6)/S(S+2)
using Root locus technique. (Refer Jun 2026 Paper, Q.07, Page 3)

2. Determine the range of K for stability of a system with G(s)=K/[s(s+1)(s+2)] using

Routh's stability criterion. (Refer Jun 2026 Paper, Q.08, Page 3)

3. Sketch the root locus plot for a negative feedback control system whose open loop
transfer function is G(s)H(s)=K/[s(s+1)(s+2)(s+3)]. (Refer Jun 2026 Paper, Q.07, Page 3)

SECTION 3: SCORING QUESTIONS

1. Mention limitations of the Routh-Hurwitz criterion.

2. What is the characteristic equation?

MODULE 5: Frequency Response & State Space

SECTION 1: HIGH PROBABILITY THEORY

1. Explain the PD, PI, and PID controllers with block diagrams.

2. Define the concepts of state, state variables, and state model.

3. Derive the state-space model for a linear continuous-time system.

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4. Explain the need for compensators in control systems.

5. Convert a given transfer function into state-space representation.

SECTION 2: HIGH PROBABILITY PROBLEMS

1. Obtain the state transition matrix for A = [[0,1],[-2,-3]]. (Refer Jun 2026 Paper, Q.09, Page
3)

2. Construct the state model using phase variables for the differential equation
d³y(t)/dt³+4d²y(t)/dt²+7dy(t)/dt+2y(t)=5u(t). (Refer Jun 2026 Paper, Q.10, Page 4)

3. Sketch the Bode plot for G(s)=80/s(s+2)(s+20) and determine GM and PM. (Refer Dec
2024 Paper, Q.9, Page 11)

SECTION 3: SCORING QUESTIONS

1. Explain Lag compensator and Lead compensator with circuit diagrams.

2. Define State transition matrix.

Note: For all problems, refer to the original paper citations provided to view high-resolution
diagrams/figures.

IMPORTANT DIAGRAMS (Revision Checklist)

* Fundamental Control Diagrams: Open-Loop Flow, Closed-Loop Block Diagram

with Feedback.

* Standard Test Signals: Step, Ramp, Impulse, Parabolic plots.

* Second-Order System Step Response: Showing rise time, peak overshoot, settling
time.

* Lead/Lag Compensator Circuits: Resistor-Capacitor network configurations.

* State Diagram: Representation using integrators and gain matrices.

* Root Locus Plot: Path of closed-loop poles.

* Bode Plot: Log magnitude and Phase angle vs Frequency.

* Nyquist Plot: Polar plot in the complex plane

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IMPORTANT FORMULAS
Term Formula

Transfer Function $G(s) = C(s)/R(s)$

Mason's Gain $T = (1/\Delta) \sum P_k \Delta_k$

Second Order System $\omega_n, \zeta, \omega_d = \omega_n \sqrt{1-\zeta^2}$

Steady State Error $e_{ss} = \lim_{s \to 0} s E(s)$

State Space $\dot{x} = Ax + Bu, y = Cx + Du$

ONE NIGHT REVISION:

 Module 1: Difference between Open/Closed loop + Transfer Function definition.

 Module 2: Mason's Gain Formula (Practice 5 problems).
 Module 3: Derivations for Rise Time and Peak Overshoot + Steady State Error
formulas.
 Module 4: Routh-Hurwitz criteria + Basic Root Locus rules.
 Module 5: State Space representation + Basic Nyquist stability.

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