The use of the control system components (A1.3: Operating systems and control systems)

Control system

Automates and regulates processes, manages and directs behaviour of system/other devices (rely on precise feedback mechanism = stable process that meets objectives)

I. TYPES OF CONTROL SYSTEMS

Dependent on presence of feedback

Open-loop control system

No feedback from output back to input

- Operates solely based on initial input without any correction or adjustment based on actual output

Closed-loop control system (feedback control system)

Continuously monitors output, feeds info back to adjust accordingly

- Feedback mechanism - Determines how control system operations and adjusts to achieve goal

II. STAGES OF PROCESS

What goes into and out of the system

Input

Initial signal received representing desired condition/target

- Typically generated by user, another system, or environmental condition

- Reference point for system's operation

Output

Result after input process

- Represents actual state/action of system

III. COMPONENTS

Key components of control system

Controller

Central component: processes inputs and generates outputs

- Decision-making component

- "Brain"

Sensor

Detect and measure physical quantities from environment/system

- "Eyes and ears"

- Gives data for controller to make decision

Actuator

Carry out actions in response to controller's commands

- Responsible for converting controller's electrical signals to mechanical motion/what's needed

- Execute tasks that directly impact output

- "Muscles"

Transducer

Convert energy to connect sensors and actuators

- Sometimes: doesn't directly produce type of signal that controller can process/what's needed to drive actuator

- Converts signals into compatible form

- "Digestive system" or "central nervous system" or whatever idk