CHAPTER 1
Introduction to
Control System
Learning Outcome
01 Define control systems
02 State the advantages of control system
03 Identify control system configuration
04 Laplace Transform role in control
system
01 What is Control System?
Figure 1.1: Block diagram of control system
“A control system is defined as a system of
devices that manages, commands, directs,
or regulates the behavior of other devices
or systems to achieve a desired result.”
01 What is Control System?
*
*
Figure 1.2: Elevator response
* Transient response: the response of a system to a change from an equilibrium or a
steady state response.
*Steady-state error: the difference between the desired value and the actual value of a
system when the response has reached the steady state.
02 Advantages of control system
We build control systems for FOUR primary reasons:
Power amplification
A radar antenna, positioned by the low-power rotation of a knob at the input, requires a large amount of power for
its output rotation.
Remote control
Useful in remote or dangerous locations. For example, a remote-controlled robot arm can be used to pick up
material in a radioactive environment.
Convenience of input form
Provide convenience by changing the form of the input. For example, in a temperature control system, the input is a
position on a thermostat. The output is heat.
Compensation for disturbances
The system must be able to yield the correct output even with a disturbance. For example, consider an antenna
system this point in a commanded direction. If wind forces the antenna from its commanded position, or if noise
enters internally, the system must be able to detect the disturbance and correct the antenna's position.
03 Control System Configuration
Open-loop System (Manual)
Input Output
Plant /
Controller Actuator
Process
Figure 1.3: Open loop system
In an open loop system, the output can be adjusted / varied by varying the
input but the output has no effect on the input.
The output of the open loop system can be determined only by its present
state input.
If the output is affected due to some external noise / disturbance, the open
loop system cannot correct it.
03 Control System Configuration
Open-loop System
Controller Actuator Plant Controller Actuator Plant
Input Output Input Output
Heating
Thermostat Kettle Switch Filament Bulb
Element Boiled Water Light ON
Desired water Switching
Temperature ON light
Electric Kettle Switching “ON” Electric Bulb
EXAMPLES
Controller Actuator Plant Controller Actuator Plant
Input Output Input Output
Heating Electric
Timer Toaster Timer Machine
Element Actual colour Motor Clean cloth
Desired bread Desired time
colour
Time Based Bread Toaster Washing Machine
03 Control System Configuration
Closed-loop System (Auto)
Input Output
Controller Actuator Plant
Sensor
Figure 1.4: Closed loop system
The input is controlled by the feedback signal from input so that it can correct the errors occurred.
By comparing the generated output with the actual condition, the closed loop system maintains and
achieves the desired output. If the produced output is deviated from decided (actual) output, the closed
loop control system generates an error signal and the error signal is fed to the input of the signal.
By adding the error signal to the input, the generated output of the next loop will be corrected. So these are
also called as an automatic control systems. Therefore, closed loop systems are less prone to external
disturbances.
03 Control System Configuration
Closed-loop System (Auto)
Microprocessor controlled laser system Driver controlled cruise control system
EXAMPLES
Auto cruise speed control system A human arm control system
04 Laplace Transform
The purpose of Laplace Transform?
“Laplace transform is used to convert Time Domain
differential equations into Frequency Domain algebraic
equations, which can then be solved by the formal rules of
the algebra.”
𝑑 2 𝑥(𝑡)
𝑠 2 𝑋(𝑠)
𝑑𝑡 2
Laplace
𝑓 𝑡 Transform 𝐹(𝑠)
Time domain Frequency domain 𝑑𝑥(𝑡) Laplace
Transform 𝑠𝑋 (𝑠)
𝑑𝑡
𝑥(𝑡) 𝑋 (𝑠)
04 Laplace Transform
Example
Find the Laplace transform of
𝑑 3 𝑦(𝑡) 𝑑 2 𝑦(𝑡) 𝑑𝑦(𝑡)
𝑦 𝑡 = 3
+3 2
+5 + 4𝑦(𝑡)
𝑑 𝑑 𝑑(𝑡)
Solution Laplace
Transform
Y(s) s 3 Y(s) 3s 2 Y(s) 5sY(s) 4 Y(s)
Q&A
Session
