- Open Loop: an input is fed into a system and through the process of the system and a direct output is achieved.
- Closed Loop: uses a feedback loop to compare the actual output with the desired output and makes adjustments to the input to achieve the desired output.
The Process of a control system consists of:
- Controller: something that monitors and affects the operation process. Example: driver in a car, computer, position of a screw in a pressure regulator.
- Actuator: device for moving or controlling a mechanism. Example: Steering mechanism, engine, valve.
- Plant: Example: car, drive train, flow of a fluid.
- Sensor: Device that feeds the output back to the controller, where the controller can make adjustments to achieve the desired result. Example: eyes(driving), speedometer, valve area.
Control engineering is interested in goal-oriented systems; systems that have characteristics of self-organizing, learning, and that can adapt. Many control systems consist of electrical, mechanical, and computer components although not limited to just these.
Examples of control systems: computer, driving a car, refrigerator, thermostat, oven, furnace, speed/pressure controls, robots, etc..
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