INTRODUCTION TO CONTROL

SYSTEM

Lesson 1
 LESSONS COVERED

1.1 Control systems: what they are

1.2 Examples of control systems
1.3 Open-loop and closed-loop control system and feedback
1.4 Characteristics of feedback and control.
 INTRODUCTION

In recent times, the control system has played an essential part in the field of
engineering. Every aspect of our daily routine activities is affected by the control
system. This module will discuss what a control system is, why we need to use it,
what are the examples of control systems from simple to more advanced ones.
We will also use everyday examples to understand what open loops and closed
loops systems are and how they work.
 OBJECTIVES

At the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

1. Define control system

2. Recognize and appreciate the examples of a control system that can be
found in our environment
3. Explore real-life example of an open-loop and closed-loop system and to
understand how they work
 1.1. CONTROL SYSTEMS: WHAT ARE THEY?

Control system is plenteous in our surroundings. Before illustrating this, let us define
two terms: input and output, which are the basic components of a control system. These
two components will help us in defining the control system more deeply. Technically,
input is the stimulus, excitation, or command applied to a control system. Typically,
from an external energy source, physical variable, or more abstract quantities, usually
to produce a specified response from the control system. The output is the actual
response obtained from a control system or simply the result or outcome. It may or may
not be equal to the specified response implied by the input.
 1.2. EXAMPLES OF CONTROL
SYSTEMS
Let’s begin the lesson by performing the activity below for you to fully understand the lesson. This section
will introduce you to the lesson properly. Complete the table by identifying and listing down the
corresponding input and output of the following control system. The first item is done for you.
System Input Output

1. An electric switch The state of the switch, either on or off. The flow or no flow of the electricity.

2. A thermostat    

3. A bread toaster    

4. person driving an automobile    

5. A washing machine    
 1.3 OPEN LOOP AND CLOSED LOOP
CONTROL SYSTEMS

Open Loop Control System

Figure 1 shows a simple block diagram of the open-loop control system. Its operation is very
basic, that is why it is used in simple processes because of its simplicity and low cost. An input
signal directs the control element to respond to produce an output. In an open-loop system,
control action is independent of the desired output.
EXAMPLES OF AN OPEN LOOP CONTROL SYSTEM

Some practical examples of an open-loop control system are:

1. Washing Machine

Figure 2 shows a block diagram of a washing machine. The operation of this machine runs
according to the present time and does not depend on the cleanness of the clothes or irrespective
of washing is completed or not.
EXAMPLES OF AN OPEN LOOP CONTROL SYSTEM

2. Electric Hand Dryer

The output of this machine which is the hot air comes out as long as you keep your hand
under the machine, irrespective of how much your hand is dried.

3. Bread Toaster
This machine operates as per adjusted time regardless of toasting is completed or not.

4. Timer Based Clothes Dryer

This machine dries wet clothes for pre-adjusted time, regardless of how much the
clothes are dried.

5. Light Switch
Lamps glow whenever the switch is on, no matter what the light is required or not.
 1.3 OPEN LOOP AND CLOSED LOOP
CONTROL SYSTEMS

Closed-Loop Control System

Figure 3 shows a block diagram of the closed-loop control system. In a closed-loop system, the
output of the control system is adjusted automatically until it gets the desired output. This
process is called feedback, which is a special feature of a closed-loop system. We will tackle
this topic in more detail in the next lesson. So, we can say that in a closed-loop system, control
action is somehow dependent on the output
EXAMPLES OF AN CLOSED-LOOP CONTROL SYSTEM

Some practical examples of closed-loop control system are:

1. Thermostat Heater
This machine senses the temperature of the system and it maintains the temperature.

2. Missile Launcher
This device detects the position of the plane using a radar tracking unit. The input is the
position of the plane, the plant is the launcher, the controller is the computer system and the
output is the target.

3. Inverter AC
This machine uses an inverter for controlling the compressor speed. It has a sensor for
measuring the ambient air temperature, so adjust the compressor to the required level.

4. Automatic Clothes Iron

This device adjusts the required temperature for proper pressing.
 1.4. CHARACTERISTICS OF FEEDBACK
AND CONTROL

• Feedback Systems are systems that decide the change of the

input to get the desired output. The processing part of a
feedback system may be electrical, electronic, or mechanical,
ranging from a very simple to highly complex circuits.

• Simple analog feedback control circuits can be constructed

using individual components: such as transistors, resistors, and
capacitors, etc, or by using microprocessor-based and integrated
circuits (IC’s) to form more complex digital feedback systems.
1.4. CHARACTERISTICS OF FEEDBACK
AND CONTROL

Feedback System Block Diagram Model

 1 . 4 . C H AR AC T E RI S T I C S O F F E E D B A CK A ND C O N T R OL

There are many different types of control systems, there are just two main types of feedback
control namely: Negative Feedback and Positive Feedback.
 POSITIVE FEEDBACK SYSTEMS

In a “positive feedback control system”, the setpoint and output values are added
together by the controller as the feedback is “in-phase” with the input. The effect of
positive (or regenerative) feedback is to “increase” the gain of the system, i.e, the
overall gain with positive feedback applied will be greater than the gain without
feedback. For example, if someone praises you or gives you positive feedback about
something, you feel happy about yourself and are full of energy, you feel more
positive.
 NEGATIVE FEEDBACK SYSTEMS

In a “negative feedback control system”, the set point and output values are subtracted
from each other as the feedback is “out-of-phase” with the original input. The effect of
negative (or degenerative) feedback is to “reduce” the gain. For example, if someone
criticizes you or gives you negative feedback about something, you feel unhappy about
yourself and therefore lack energy, you feel less positive.
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