Control System:i

A control system is a system that controls the output and provides the desired response. The
following figure shows the simple block diagram of a control system.

Here, the control system is represented by a single block. Since the output is controlled by
different input, the control system has got this name. We will separate this input with some
mechanisms. In the next section on the open loop and closed loop control systems, we will study
in detail about the block inside the control system and how to separate this input to get the
desired response.
Examples - Traffic light control system, washing machine
Traffic light control is an example of a system control system. Here, a sequence of input signal
is applied to this control system and the output is one of the three lights which will continue for
some time. During this, the other two lights will remain closed. On the basis of traffic studies at
a particular junction, the current and closing time of the lights can be determined. Accordingly,
the input signal controls the output. Therefore, the traffic light control system operates on time.
Classification of control systems:
Based on some parameters, we can classify the control systems in the following ways.
Continuous time and discrete time control system:
• Control systems can be classified as continuous time control systems and time control systems
can be disassociated based on the type of signal.
• In continuous time control systems, all the signals are continuous in time. However, in discrete
time control systems, one or more discrete time signals exist.
Open loop and closed loop control system:
The control system can be classified as open loop control system and closed loop control system
based on the reaction path.
In the open loop control system, the output is not feared back to the input. So, the control
action is independent of the desired output.
The following figure shows the block diagram of the open loop control system.
Here, an input is applied to a controller and it produces an active signal or control signal. This
signal is given as input of a plant or process that is to be controlled. So, the plant produces a
production, which is controlled. Traffic light control system, which we discussed earlier, is an
example of an open loop control system.
In closed loop control systems, the output is fed back into the input. So, the control action is
dependent on the desired output.
The following figure negative feedback shows the block diagram of closed loop control system.

The error detector produces an error signal, which is the difference between the input and the
response signal. This feedback signal is obtained by block (feedback elements) considering the
output of the overall system as the input of this block. Instead of direct input, the error signal is
applied as an input to the controller.
So, the controller produces an active signal which regulates the plant. In this combination, the
output of the control system is automatically adjusted until we get the desired response.
Therefore, the closed loop control system is also called the automatic control system. The sensor
on the input of traffic light control system is an example of a closed loop control system.
The differences between the open loop and the closed loop control systems are mentioned in the
following table.
Open Loop Control Systems Closed Loop Control Systems

Control action is independent of the desired output. Control action is dependent of the desired
output.

Feedback path is not present. Feedback path is present.

These are also called as non-feedback control These are also called as feedback control
systems. systems.

Easy to design. Difficult to design.

These are economical. These are costlier.

Inaccurate. Accurate.

Analog vs. Digital signalsii:

An Analog signal is any continuous signal for which the time varying feature (variable)
of the signal is a representation of some other time varying quantity, i.e., analogous to
another time varying signal. It differs from a digital signal in terms of small fluctuations
in the signal which are meaningful.
A digital signal uses discrete (discontinuous) values. By contrast, non-digital (or analog)
systems use a continuous range of values to represent information. Although digital
representations are discrete, the information represented can be either discrete, such as
numbers or letters, or continuous, such as sounds, images, and other measurements of
continuous systems.

CONTROL-SYSTEM APPLICATIONSiii:
Applications of control systems have significantly increased through advances in computer
technology and development of new materials, which provide unique opportunities for
highly efficient actuation and sensing, thereby reducing energy losses and environmental
impacts. State-of-the-art actuators and sensors may be implemented in virtually any system,
including biological propulsion; locomotion; robotics; material handling; biomedical,
surgical, and endoscopic; aeronautics; marine; and the defense and space industries.The
following represent some of the applications of control that have become part of our daily
lives.
iv
ADVANTAGES OF CONTROL SYSTEMS :
1. Power amplification
2. Remote control
3. Convenience of input form
4. Compensation for disturbances
References:

i
https://www.tutorialspoint.com/control_systems/index.htm
ii
https://www.diffen.com/difference/Analog_vs_Digital
iii
http://top10electrical.blogspot.com/2015/09/advantages-of-control-systems.html
iv
http://top10electrical.blogspot.com/2015/09/advantages-of-control-systems.html