What is a Control System?

A control system is a collection of devices that

controls, directs, commands, (or) regulates the
operation of other devices (or) systems in order to
achieve a specific outcome.

A control system does this using control loops, that

are processes that keep a process variable at a
specific set point.

In other words, a control system can be defined as a

system that regulates other systems.

As human society progresses, the desire for

automation develops.

Automation necessitates control over a network of

interconnected devices.

Control systems have played an increasingly

important part in the evolution & development of
modern technology & society.

Almost every element of our daily lives is influenced

in some way by a control system.

Control systems in your daily life include

 An air conditioner,
 A refrigerator,
 A bathroom toilet tank,
  An automated iron, and
 A variety of automotive operations such as
cruise control.
Control systems can be found in industrial contexts
such as

 Product quality control,

 Weapons systems,
 Transportation systems,
 Power systems,
 Space technology,
 Robots, & many more applications.


Control theory ideas apply to both the technical and

non-engineering fields.

Characteristics of Control Systems

The essential characteristic of a control system is that
the system’s input and output have a clear
mathematical relationship.

A linear control system is defined as one in which the

connection between the system’s input and output
may be expressed by linear proportionality.

Requirements for an Effective Control System

Accuracy: Accuracy is the instrument’s
measurement tolerance, which determines the limits
of errors generated when the instrument is utilized
under typical working conditions.
The use of feedback features can help enhance
accuracy. To boost the accuracy of the control
system, an error detector must be included.

Sensitivity: The settings of a control system are

constantly changing due to changes in the external
environment, internal disturbances, or other
parameters.

This change may be quantified in regards to

sensitivity. The control system must be indifferent to
such factors and only respond to input signals.

Noise: Noise is defined as an undesirable input

signal. An effective control system must be able
minimize the noise effect and improve performance.

Stability: Stability is a key feature of the control

system. The output of a bounded input signal must
be bounded, & if the input is 0, the output must also
be 0, indicating that the control system is stable.

Bandwidth: A control system’s bandwidth is

determined by its operational frequency range. A
good control system’s frequency response should
have the widest bandwidth available.

Speed: The time it takes for the control system to

produce a stable output. A reliable control system
operates at fast speeds. The transitory period
associated with such a system is relatively short.
Oscillation: A modest number of oscillations (or)
continuous oscillations of output suggest that the
system is stable.

Types of Control Systems

There are several types of control systems, however
they are all designed to control outputs.

Control systems include those that

 Control location,
 Velocity,
 Acceleration,
 Temperature,
 Pressure,
 Voltage, and
 Current, among other things.

Types of Control Systems based on Feedback

Path
Control systems classified into two types. They are as
follows:

1.Open-loop control systems.

2.Closed-loop control systems

Open-Loop Control Systems

Open-loop control systems have control actions that
are completely independent of the system’s output. A
manual control system is essentially an open-loop
system.

An open loop control system does not feed the output

signal back to the system’s input. An open loop
control system is also known as a non-feedback
control system.

In open loop control systems, the output is not fed

back into the input. As a result, the control action
acts independently of the desired outcome.

When an input is fed to a controller, it generates an

actuating or controlling signal. This signal is sent as
an input to the plant or process that needs to be
regulated. So, the plant provides a controlled output.

Example of Open-Loop Control Systems:

1.The traffic light control system, which is a

prime example of an open loop control system.
 2.In, electric hand drier, hot air comes out for so
long that you keep your hand beneath the
machine, regardless of drying.
3.Automatic washing machine runs at the pre-set
time whether washing is done or not.
4.Bread toaster runs on time regardless of
toasting status.
5.Automatic tea/coffee makers work for pre-set
times.
6.This timer-based clothes dryer dries wet
garments for a pre-adjusted time, regardless of
how much they dry.
7.Lamps illuminate when the light switch is on
regardless of need.

Advantages of Open Loop Control Systems

 Simple in build and design.

 Economical.
 Simple to maintain.
 Generally stable.
 Convenient to utilize, as output is tough to
quantify.

Disadvantages of Open Loop Control Systems

 They are not accurate.

 They are not reliable.
 Any variation in output could not be adjusted
automatically.
Closed-Loop Control Systems
A closed-loop control system is one in which the
output affects the input quantity in such a way that
the input quantity adjusts itself in response to the
output created.

Providing feedback can transform an open-loop

control system to a closed-loop control system. This
feedback automatically adjusts the output in response
to external disturbance.

In this manner, a closed loop control system is known

as an automatic control system.

In this system, the control action is determined by

the intended output signal.

Example of Closed-Loop Control Systems:

1.Automatic electric irons control heating

components by output temperature.
 2.The system output voltage controls the servo
voltage stabilizer.
3.Input water is governed by reservoir water
level.
4.Radar launched & auto tracked missile are
monitoring the target and missile position
controls its direction.
5.Air conditioners work based on room
temperature.
6.Car cooling system works based on
temperature.

Advantages of Closed Loop Control Systems

 Closed loop control systems remain

significantly accurate, even in the face of
nonlinearity.
 Highly accurate because the very existence of a
feedback signal corrects any errors that may
occur.
 The bandwidth range quite large.
 Enables automation.
 The system’s sensitivity can be reduced to
increase its stability.
 This mechanism is less sensitive to noise.

Disadvantages of Closed Loop Control System

 They cost more.

 They are difficult to design.
 Additional maintenance was required.
  Feedback produces an oscillating reaction.
 Feedback reduces overall gain.
 Stability is the most significant problem,
therefore designing a stable closed loop system
requires greater consideration.

Open-Loop Control Closed-Loop Control

System System

In Closed-loop control
In Open loop control system, system, the output is
the regulated action is primarily determined by
separate from the output. the regulated act of the
system.

This is also known as a non- This is also known as a

feedback control system. feedback control system.

This type of system

This system consists of a
consists of controlled
controlled process & a
process, controller, an
controller.
amplifier, and feedback.

This system’s construction is This system’s construction

simple. is complex.

The consistency is not It is reliable in its

reliable. consistency.

The calibration is the

As a result of feedback,
primary factor influencing
these are accurate.
this system’s accuracy.
 The stability of closed loop
The stability of open loop
control systems is less
control systems is stable
stable

In this particular system, Within the structure of

optimization is not a feasible this system, optimization
option. is possible.

It responds quickly. Response time is slow.

This system will not be

This system’s disturbance
affected by the
will be affected.
disturbance.

These systems are not

These are linear systems.
linear.

This system will not be

This system’s disturbance
affected by the
will be affected.
disturbance.

This type of control

Examples of this control
system includes air
system include automatic
conditioning, temperature,
washing machines, traffic
pressure, and speed
lights, television remotes,
control systems, toasters,
immersion rods, and more.
and refrigerators.