UNIT 1 : INTRODUCTION OF CONTROL SYSTEM

1. Some Basic Definitions

1.1 What is a system?

A collection of components that interact with one

another and with their environment. Some examples
of systems. Human beings, mechanical devices, an Figure 2.1 Open Loop System
electrical switch, plants, animals, the atmosphere, the
stock market, the political system, etc. As aerospace Electronic Fan Switch : Reference input: Switch on
engineers, aircraft, helicopters, missiles, avionics, the fan (that is, press the switch and 230 V is applied).
rocket engines, and so on. So, the reference input is the 230 V signal.
Controller: The electronic voltage controller (that is,
turn the knob to the desired position). The effect is to
1.2 What is a control system?
reduce or change the voltage to the appropriate value.
We may have approximately 230 V (= full speed) and
A control system is a collection of components
115 V (half-speed), and so on.
(CONTROL & PLANT unit) that is designed to drive a
Once the speed is set there is nothing else that needs
given system (plant) with a given input to a desired
to be done. But suppose you have three fans. Even if
output. It is a system in which the output is controlled,
you give their knobs the same amount of turn, the
altered and maintained by varying the input quantity.
speeds are likely to be slightly different. This may
happen due to inaccuracy in the settings,
Voltage inconsistency in the electronic components.
Input Electric Controlled
Variation
Voltage Motor Speed So, essentially an open loop system is one
Device
where there is no way to correct the error between
the desired output and the actual output. An open-loop
control system utilizes an actuating device (controller)
to control the process directly without using feedback.
Figure 1.1 Speed Control Of Electric Motor
Feedback is the measure of the output.
Motor
“A control system is an interconnection of components forming a
“An open-loop system is a system without feedback.”
system configuration that will provide a desired system response.”

2.2 What is a closed loop control system?

2. Types of Control System :
A closed-loop control system (Figure 2.2) utilizes an
• Open loop control system additional measure of the actual output and compare
• Closed loop control system the actual output with the desired output response
• Optimal control system with the help of Feed back system.
• Adaptive control system
• Learning control system A feedback control system is a control system that
tends to maintain a relationship of one system variable
2.1 What is an open loop control system? to another by comparing functions of these variables
and using the different as a means of control.
An open-loop control system utilizes a controller or
control actuator to obtain the desired response as
shown in Figure 2.1. The open-loop control system
utilizes an actuating device (controller) to control the
process directly without using device. Example of an
open-loop control system are electric toaster, Electric
Fan Switch etc.

Figure 2.2 Closed Loop System

 disturbance

Consider the same electronic fan control

switch. Assume that you are looking at the fan blades
to make sure that the speed is right. If it isn’t, then you
turn the knob continuously till the desired speed is
achieved. The block diagram in Figure 2.2 is an exact
representation of this to conveys the idea in a broad
sense.
Figure 2.2.1 Feed Forward Controlled System with Feedback Controller

“A closed-loop control system uses a measurement

Feed Back Feed Forward
of the output and feedback of this signal to compare System system
it with the desired output (reference or command). Advantages • The system • The ability to
measures a anticipate
The closed loop system is also known as Feedback variable, and changes in the
Controlled System” uses that measured
variable to variable.
make • Works
Closed loop systems have different characteristics decisions. proactively
when compared to open-loop systems.
• Works
reactively.
1. They are more accurate.
Disadvantages • The system • The system
2. They are less sensitive to disturbances.
only consider cannot
3. They are less sensitive to system any consider an
characteristics/parameter variations. manipulation unmeasured
after the variable when
2.2.1 Feedback Controlled System: occurrence of making its
disturbance . decisions.
Þ Feedback control measures the output of
a process, calculates the error in the
process and then adjusts one or more
inputs to get the desired output value. Open loop Closed loop
Þ The feedback control reacts only to the System system
process error (the deviation between the Advantages • Open loop • Closed loop
measured output value and set point). control systems are
Þ Feedback control measures the output system are very reliable
and verifies the adjustment results. So, it simple and • Closed loop
is also knowns as Compensatory Control economical. system are
System. • Proper faster.
calibration is • Optimization
2.2.2 Feedforward Controlled System: not is possible
problematic.

¨ Feedforward control measures one or more

Disadvantages • They are • Closed loop
inputs of a process, calculates the required
inaccurate system are
value of the other inputs and then adjusts it.
• They are not expensive.
So, it is also knowns as Anticipatory Control
reliable • Maintain ace
System.
• Slow process is difficult.
¨ Feedforward control has to predict the output system • Complex is
as it does not measure output. So, it is • Optimization construction.
sometimes called as PREDICTIVE CONTROL. is not
¨ Feedforward control does not check how the possible
adjustments of inputs worked in the process.
So, it is referred to as OPEN LOOP CONTROL.