Introduction To Control Systems
Introduction To Control Systems
Control system is a way of arranging and combining components in such a way that the desired output is obtained.
In other words, a system is said to be “controlled”, if it’s working in a stable mode without getting unstable in any span
of time.
From the above definition, one can say that a controlled system must have two attributes, which are:
1. Stability
2. Desired output
A control system can be functioned electrically, mechanically, pressure by fluid (gas or liquid), or it can be
combination of these ways. But it more preferred to operate this system by electrical means especially when
computer is involved, even though interfusion are common these days.
1. Controlled Variable
It is the value or prerequisite that is determined and controlled. These variables are independent variables and are
usually not influenced by external factors. These variables are controlled by the engineer, designing the control
system, and those values are chose for these variables at which the system gives the best output.
2. Manipulated Variable
The value or prerequisite that keep on changing as the controlled variables are changed. These variables are
dependent variables and usually dependent on controlled variables. Let’s take a simple example of a fan dimmer.
As someone changes the dimmer position i.e. changes the voltage, rpm of fan also decreases. In this example,
voltage is the controlled variable while rpm of fan is the manipulated variable.
Types of Control Systems
There are three basic types of control systems that are feed forward control systems, feedback or closed loop
control systems and the third type is open loop control systems. Let’s have a look on the functionalities of these
different control systems.
Source: http://engineering.electrical-equipment.org/panel-building/introduction-to-control-
systems.html