1. Block Diagram & Signal Flow Graph Analysis
Mason’s Gain Formula
Used to find transfer function $$\displaystyle T = \frac{C(s)}{R(s)} $$ from a signal flow graph.
Formula:
$$ \boxed{T = \sum_{k=1}^{N} \frac{M_k \Delta_k}{\Delta}} $$
where:
-
$$\displaystyle M_k $$ = gain of $$\displaystyle k^{th} $$ forward path
-
$$\displaystyle \Delta = 1 - \sum L_i + \sum L_i L_j - \sum L_i L_j L_k + \cdots $$
($$\displaystyle L_i $$ = loop gains, $$\displaystyle L_i L_j $$ = non-touching loop products)
-
$$\displaystyle \Delta_k $$ = $\Delta$ with loops touching $$\displaystyle k^{th} $$ forward path removed
Steps:
-
Identify all forward paths and their gains $$\displaystyle M_k $$.
-
Identify all individual loops (touching or not).
-
Compute $\Delta$ considering non-touching loop combinations.
-
For each forward path, compute $$\displaystyle \Delta_k $$ by removing loops touching it.
-
Apply formula.
[!TIP]
Common Pitfall: Forgetting to exclude all loops touching a forward path when computing $$\displaystyle \Delta_k $$.
Block Diagram Reduction
-
Series blocks: multiply transfer functions.
-
Parallel blocks: add transfer functions.
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Feedback: $$\displaystyle T = \frac{G}{1+GH} $$ (negative feedback).
-
Take-off point: can move forward/backward with care.
Analogous Systems
Goal: Represent mechanical system by electrical analog for analysis.
| Analogous Method | Force-Voltage (F-V) | Force-Current (F-I) |
|---|---|---|
| Force (F) | Voltage (V) | Current (I) |
| Velocity (v) | Current (I) | Voltage (V) |
| Displacement (x) | Flux (ψ) | Charge (q) |
| Mass (M) | Inductance (L) | Capacitance (C) |
| Damping (B) | Resistance (R) | Conductance (1/R) |
| Compliance (1/K) | Capacitance (C) | Inductance (L) |
Direct Analogy (Impedance Analogy):
-
Preserve impedance analogy: $$\displaystyle F \leftrightarrow V $$, $$\displaystyle v \leftrightarrow I $$.
-
Mechanical impedance $$\displaystyle Z_m = B + Ms + \frac{1}{Ks} $$ maps to electrical $$\displaystyle Z_e = R + Ls + \frac{1}{Cs} $$.
Inverse Analogy (Mobility Analogy):
-
$$\displaystyle F \leftrightarrow I $$, $$\displaystyle v \leftrightarrow V $$.
-
Mechanical mobility $$\displaystyle Y_m = \frac{1}{B} + \frac{s}{M} + \frac{1}{sK} $$ maps to electrical admittance $$\displaystyle Y_e = \frac{1}{R} + Cs + \frac{1}{Ls} $$.
2. Time Domain Analysis & System Response
Standard Test Signals
-
Step: $$\displaystyle r(t) = A \cdot u(t) $$; $$\displaystyle R(s) = \frac{A}{s} $$
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Ramp: $$\displaystyle r(t) = A \cdot t \cdot u(t) $$; $$\displaystyle R(s) = \frac{A}{s^2} $$
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Parabolic: $$\displaystyle r(t) = \frac{A}{2} t^2 u(t) $$; $$\displaystyle R(s) = \frac{A}{s^3} $$
-
Impulse: $$\displaystyle r(t) = A \delta(t) $$; $$\displaystyle R(s) = A $$
First-Order System
$$\displaystyle G(s) = \frac{K}{\tau s + 1} $$
| Input | Response $c(t)$ | Steady-State Error $$\displaystyle e_{ss} $$ |
|---|---|---|
| Step $A$ | $$\displaystyle c(t) = K(1 - e^{-t/\tau}) $$ | $$\displaystyle e_{ss} = A - K $$ |
| Ramp $At$ | $$\displaystyle c(t) = K\tau (1 - e^{-t/\tau}) + Kt $$ | $$\displaystyle e_{ss} = A\tau $$ |
Time Constant $\tau$: Time to reach 63.2% of final value for step input.
Second-Order System
Standard form:
$$ G(s) = \frac{\omega_n^2}{s^2 + 2\zeta\omega_n s + \omega_n^2} $$
-
$\zeta$ = damping ratio
-
$$\displaystyle \omega_n $$ = undamped natural frequency
Transient Specifications (Underdamped, $$\displaystyle \zeta < 1 $$):
- Peak Overshoot:
$$ \boxed{M_p = e^{-\frac{\pi\zeta}{\sqrt{1-\zeta^2}}} \times 100\%} $$
- Peak Time:
$$ \boxed{T_p = \frac{\pi}{\omega_n\sqrt{1-\zeta^2}}} $$
- Rise Time (0%→100%):
$$ \boxed{T_r = \frac{\pi - \beta}{\omega_d}}, \quad \beta = \tan^{-1}\left(\frac{\sqrt{1-\zeta^2}}{\zeta}\right), \quad \omega_d = \omega_n\sqrt{1-\zeta^2} $$
(Common approximation: $$\displaystyle T_r \approx \frac{1.8}{\omega_n} $$ for $\zeta \approx 0.5$)
- Settling Time (2% criterion):
$$ \boxed{T_s = \frac{4}{\zeta\omega_n}} $$
- Resonant Peak & Frequency (for $$\displaystyle \zeta < 0.707 $$):
$$ \omega_r = \omega_n\sqrt{1-2\zeta^2}, \quad M_r = \frac{1}{2\zeta\sqrt{1-\zeta^2}} $$
Effects of Controllers on Time Response
| Controller | Transfer Function | Primary Effect |
|---|---|---|
| P | $$\displaystyle K_p $$ | Reduces steady-state error, may increase overshoot, no effect on stability if $$\displaystyle K_p $$ moderate. |
| I | $$\displaystyle \frac{K_i}{s} $$ | Eliminates steady-state error for step/ramp, increases order, slows response, may cause instability. |
| D | $$\displaystyle K_d s $$ | Reduces overshoot & settling time, improves stability, amplifies noise. |
| PID | $$\displaystyle K_p + \frac{K_i}{s} + K_d s $$ | Combines benefits: zero steady-state error (I), improved transient (D), but tuning complex. |
[!TIP]
Exam Focus: Derive $$\displaystyle M_p $$, $$\displaystyle T_p $$, $$\displaystyle T_r $$ from standard second-order step response $$\displaystyle c(t) = 1 - \frac{e^{-\zeta\omega_n t}}{\sqrt{1-\zeta^2}} \sin(\omega_d t + \phi) $$.
3. Steady-State Error Analysis
Static Error Coefficients
Define system type = number of open-loop poles at origin.
| Coefficient | Definition | System Type | Input | $$\displaystyle e_{ss} $$ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $$\displaystyle K_p $$ (Position) | $$\displaystyle \lim_{s\to0} G(s) $$ | 0 | Step $A$ | $$\displaystyle \frac{A}{1+K_p} $$ |
| ≥1 | Step $A$ | 0 | ||
| $$\displaystyle K_v $$ (Velocity) | $$\displaystyle \lim_{s\to0} sG(s) $$ | 1 | Ramp $A$ | $$\displaystyle \frac{A}{K_v} $$ |
| ≥2 | Ramp $A$ | 0 | ||
| $$\displaystyle K_a $$ (Acceleration) | $$\displaystyle \lim_{s\to0} s^2 G(s) $$ | 2 | Parabola $A$ | $$\displaystyle \frac{A}{K_a} $$ |
| ≥3 | Parabola $A$ | 0 |
Generalized Error Coefficients
For polynomial input $$\displaystyle r(t) = \frac{a_0}{m!} t^m + \cdots $$,
$$ \boxed{e_{ss} = \frac{a_0}{1 + E_m}}, \quad E_m = \lim_{s\to0} s^{m+1} G(s)H(s) $$
$$\displaystyle E_m $$ is generalized error coefficient.
Limitations of Static Error Coefficients
-
Only for stable systems (Routh necessary).
-
Only for polynomial inputs (step, ramp, parabola).
-
Does not predict error for arbitrary inputs.
-
Fails for systems with non-minimum phase zeros or unstable open-loop.
4. Stability Analysis
Routh-Hurwitz Criterion
Characteristic equation: $$\displaystyle a_n s^n + a_{n-1} s^{n-1} + \cdots + a_0 = 0 $$, $$\displaystyle a_n > 0 $$.
Necessary & Sufficient: All first-column elements > 0.
Special Cases:
-
Zero in first column: Replace with small $$\displaystyle \epsilon > 0 $$, continue. Check sign change in column.
-
Entire row zero: Form auxiliary equation from row above, differentiate, replace row. Indicates symmetrical roots (often imaginary axis).
Relative Stability (s = -σ line):
Shift $$\displaystyle s = z - \sigma $$. Apply Routh to $$\displaystyle P(z-\sigma)=0 $$. All first-column > 0 ⇒ all roots left of $$\displaystyle z = -\sigma $$ (i.e., $$\displaystyle Re(s) < -\sigma $$).
Root Locus Stability Assessment
-
Closed-loop stable ⇔ all roots of $$\displaystyle 1 + G(s)H(s) = 0 $$ in LHP.
-
From root locus: if for all $$\displaystyle K>0 $$, branches remain in LHP ⇒ stable for all $K$.
-
Critical $K$: value where locus crosses imaginary axis (use Routh or angle condition).
Effect of Pole Location:
-
LHP: stable (real part < 0).
-
Imaginary axis: marginally stable (sustained oscillations).
-
RHP: unstable (exponential growth).
5. Root Locus Technique
Construction Rules (Sketching)
-
Start/End Points: Start at open-loop poles ($$\displaystyle K=0 $$), end at open-loop zeros ($K \to \infty$). If $$\displaystyle n > m $$, $n-m$ branches go to ∞ along asymptotes.
-
Symmetry: About real axis.
-
Real-Axis Segments: Exists where number of real poles+zeros to right is odd.
-
Asymptotes:
-
Centroid: $$\displaystyle \sigma_a = \frac{\sum \text{poles} - \sum \text{zeros}}{n-m} $$
-
Angles: $$\displaystyle \theta_a = \frac{(2q+1)180^\circ}{n-m},\ q=0,1,\dots,n-m-1 $$
-
-
Breakaway/Break-in Points: On real axis, solve $$\displaystyle \frac{dK}{ds} = 0 $$ for $$\displaystyle K>0 $$.
-
Angle of Departure/Arrival:
-
From pole $p$: $$\displaystyle \angle D = 180^\circ - \sum \angle(\text{other poles to }p) + \sum \angle(\text{zeros to }p) $$
-
To zero $z$: $$\displaystyle \angle A = 180^\circ + \sum \angle(\text{poles to }z) - \sum \angle(\text{other zeros to }z) $$
-
-
Intersection with Imaginary Axis: Use Routh or angle condition at $$\displaystyle s=j\omega $$.
Breakaway/Break-in Points (Exact)
From $$\displaystyle K = -\frac{\prod |s - z_i|}{\prod |s - p_i|} $$, differentiate w.r.t. $s$:
$$ \frac{dK}{ds} = 0 \quad \Rightarrow \quad \sum \frac{1}{s - z_i} - \sum \frac{1}{s - p_i} = 0 $$
Solve for $s$ on real-axis segments.
Design for Specified Damping Ratio $\zeta$
-
Damping ratio line: line from origin at angle $$\displaystyle \cos^{-1}(\zeta) $$ with negative real axis.
-
Intersection of root locus with this line gives desired closed-loop poles.
-
Compute $K$ from magnitude condition: $$\displaystyle |G(s)H(s)| = 1 $$ at that $s$.
Effects of Adding Open-Loop Poles/Zeros
-
Adding pole: Root locus shifts right, system becomes less stable, slower response.
-
Adding zero: Attracts root locus, improves stability & speed (if placed appropriately).
Stability Regions & Critical K
-
Stable region: all branches in LHP for given $K$ range.
-
Critical $K$: value at which locus crosses $j\omega$-axis (marginal stability). Found via Routh or substituting $$\displaystyle s=j\omega $$ into characteristic equation and solving real/imag parts.
6. Frequency Response Analysis
Bode Plots
-
Magnitude Plot: $$\displaystyle 20\log_{10}|G(j\omega)| $$ vs $\log\omega$ (dB vs log scale).
-
Phase Plot: $\angle G(j\omega)$ vs $\log\omega$ (degrees vs log scale).
Asymptotic Construction:
-
Write $$\displaystyle G(s) = K \cdot \frac{\prod (1 + s/z_i)}{\prod (1 + s/p_i)} $$.
-
Magnitude:
-
Start at $20\log|K|$.
-
Each pole: slope $-20$ dB/dec starting at $$\displaystyle \omega = p_i $$.
-
Each zero: slope $+20$ dB/dec starting at $$\displaystyle \omega = z_i $$.
-
Corner frequencies: $$\displaystyle \omega = p_i $$ or $$\displaystyle z_i $$.
-
At $\omega \gg$ all corners, slope = $$\displaystyle 20(n_z - n_p) $$ dB/dec.
-
-
Phase:
-
Each pole: $$\displaystyle -90^\circ $$ starting ~1 decade before $$\displaystyle p_i $$, ending ~1 decade after.
-
Each zero: $$\displaystyle +90^\circ $$ similarly.
-
Sum contributions.
-
Key Frequencies:
-
Gain crossover frequency $$\displaystyle \omega_{gc} $$: $$\displaystyle |G(j\omega_{gc})| = 1 $$ (0 dB).
-
Phase crossover frequency $$\displaystyle \omega_{pc} $$: $$\displaystyle \angle G(j\omega_{pc}) = -180^\circ $$.
Stability Margins:
- Gain Margin (GM): Factor by which gain can increase before instability.
$$ \boxed{GM = \frac{1}{|G(j\omega_{pc})|}} \quad (\text{in linear}), \quad GM_{dB} = -20\log|G(j\omega_{pc})| $$
If $\angle G$ never reaches $$\displaystyle -180^\circ $$, GM = ∞.
- Phase Margin (PM): Additional phase lag required at $$\displaystyle \omega_{gc} $$ to reach $$\displaystyle -180^\circ $$.
$$ \boxed{PM = 180^\circ + \angle G(j\omega_{gc})} $$
Positive PM ⇒ stable; PM > 35°–60° desirable.
Polar Plots
Plot $G(j\omega)$ as $\omega$ varies from $0$ to $\infty$ in complex plane.
| System Type | Polar Plot Shape | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| Type 0 | Starts on +Re axis, ends at origin along $-\text{Im}$ axis if $$\displaystyle n_p > n_z $$. | $$\displaystyle \omega=0 $$: $K$; $\omega\to\infty$: $$\displaystyle 0 \angle -90^\circ(n_p-n_z) $$ |
| Type 1 | Starts at $\infty$ along $$\displaystyle +90^\circ $$ axis, ends at finite point on $-\text{Re}$ axis. | $$\displaystyle \omega=0 $$: $$\displaystyle \infty\angle90^\circ $$; $\omega\to\infty$: $$\displaystyle 0\angle -90^\circ(n_p-n_z-1) $$ |
| Type 2 | Starts at $\infty$ along $$\displaystyle +180^\circ $$ axis, ends at origin along $-\text{Im}$ axis. | $$\displaystyle \omega=0 $$: $$\displaystyle \infty\angle180^\circ $$; $\omega\to\infty$: $$\displaystyle 0\angle -90^\circ(n_p-n_z-2) $$ |
Inverse Polar Plot: Plot of $1/G(j\omega)$ (used in Nyquist).
Nyquist Criterion
-
Plot $G(j\omega)H(j\omega)$ for $$\displaystyle \omega: 0^-\to\infty $$ and mirror for negative frequencies (closed contour).
-
Stability: Closed-loop stable iff number of clockwise encirclements of $-1+ j0$ point, $N$, satisfies:
$$ \boxed{N = P - Z} $$
where $P$ = number of open-loop RHP poles, $Z$ = number of closed-loop RHP poles (should be 0 for stability).
- Gain Margin from Nyquist: Distance from plot to $-1$ point along real axis (if crossing negative real axis).
Log Magnitude vs. Phase Plot (Nichols Chart)
-
Plot $20\log|G(j\omega)|$ vs $\angle G(j\omega)$ (both linear axes).
-
Overlay constant $$\displaystyle M_p $$, $$\displaystyle T_s $$ curves for design.
-
Directly read PM (phase at 0 dB) and GM (magnitude at $$\displaystyle -180^\circ $$).
7. Compensation Techniques
Lead Compensation
-
Purpose: Increase phase margin, improve transient response (reduce overshoot, settling time).
-
Network:
$$ G_c(s) = \frac{1 + \tau s}{1 + \alpha \tau s}, \quad 0 < \alpha < 1, \quad \tau = RC $$
Circuit: Series $R$-$C$ with parallel $R$-$C$? Actually, typical lead: $$\displaystyle R_1 $$, $$\displaystyle C_1 $$ in series, $$\displaystyle R_2 $$ parallel with $$\displaystyle C_1 $$? Standard: $$\displaystyle G_c(s) = K_c \frac{1 + T s}{1 + \alpha T s} $$, $$\displaystyle \alpha < 1 $$.
- Maximum Phase Lead:
$$ \phi_m = \sin^{-1}\left(\frac{1-\alpha}{1+\alpha}\right), \quad \omega_m = \frac{1}{T\sqrt{\alpha}} $$
-
Design (Bode):
-
Determine required PM boost = desired PM – existing PM + safety (5°–12°).
-
Find $$\displaystyle \alpha = \frac{1-\sin\phi_m}{1+\sin\phi_m} $$.
-
Place $$\displaystyle \omega_m $$ at gain crossover of uncompensated system (or adjust $$\displaystyle K_c $$ to set $$\displaystyle \omega_{gc} $$).
-
$$\displaystyle T = 1/(\omega_m\sqrt{\alpha}) $$.
-
$$\displaystyle K_c = 1/|G(j\omega_m)| $$ to set magnitude 0 dB at $$\displaystyle \omega_{gc} $$.
-
Lag Compensation
-
Purpose: Improve steady-state error (increase $$\displaystyle K_v $$ or $$\displaystyle K_p $$) without significantly affecting transient.
-
Network:
$$ G_c(s) = \frac{1 + \tau s}{1 + \beta \tau s}, \quad \beta > 1 $$
-
Effect: Low-frequency gain increase by factor $\beta$, high-frequency attenuation $-20\log\beta$ dB/dec.
-
Design (Bode):
-
Determine required $$\displaystyle K_v $$ or $$\displaystyle K_p $$ from $$\displaystyle e_{ss} $$ spec.
-
Choose $$\displaystyle \beta = \frac{\text{required }K_v}{\text{existing }K_v} $$.
-
Place corner frequencies $$\displaystyle \omega_1 = 1/\tau $$, $$\displaystyle \omega_2 = \beta/\tau $$ such that $$\displaystyle \omega_1 $$ is a decade below $$\displaystyle \omega_{gc} $$ of uncompensated, $$\displaystyle \omega_2 $$ near $$\displaystyle \omega_{gc} $$ to minimize phase lag.
-
Adjust $$\displaystyle K_c $$ if needed.
-
Lag-Lead Compensation
-
Purpose: Simultaneously improve transient (PM) and steady-state ($$\displaystyle K_v $$).
-
Network: Cascade of lead and lag:
$$ G_c(s) = K_c \frac{(1+T_1 s)(1+T_2 s)}{(1+\alpha T_1 s)(1+\frac{1}{\beta} T_2 s)}, \quad \alpha < 1, \beta > 1 $$
-
Design:
-
Use lead to meet PM spec first (temporary).
-
Then use lag to boost low-frequency gain without disturbing PM much (place lag corners appropriately).
-
Adjust $$\displaystyle K_c $$ to finalize.
-
Compensator Design Using Root Locus
-
For damping ratio $\zeta$: find intersection of root locus with $\zeta$-line, compute $K$.
-
Add compensator pole/zero to shift locus toward desired region.
-
Lead: zero closer to origin than pole → attracts locus left.
-
Lag: pole closer to origin than zero → pushes locus right but mostly at low $K$.
8. Controllers
P, I, D, PID Transfer Functions
| Controller | Transfer Function | Effect on System |
|---|---|---|
| P | $$\displaystyle K_p $$ | Reduces error constant, may reduce rise time, increases overshoot, no effect on order. |
| I | $$\displaystyle \frac{K_i}{s} $$ | Increases system type by 1 → zero steady-state error for step/ramp. Slows response, increases order, risk of instability. |
| D | $$\displaystyle K_d s $$ | Adds damping → reduces overshoot, settling time. Increases high-frequency gain → noise amplification. |
| PID | $$\displaystyle K_p + \frac{K_i}{s} + K_d s $$ | Combines all: zero steady-state error (I), improved transient (D), adjustable with $$\displaystyle K_p $$. But tuning complex. |
Tuning Methods (Ziegler-Nichols implied)
-
P: Set $$\displaystyle K_p $$ to achieve desired response (trial).
-
PI: Add $$\displaystyle K_i $$ to eliminate offset, watch for oscillations.
-
PD: Add $$\displaystyle K_d $$ to improve stability.
-
PID:
-
Set $I$ and $D$ to zero, increase $P$ until sustained oscillations (critical $$\displaystyle K_u $$, period $$\displaystyle P_u $$).
-
Use Z-N table: $$\displaystyle K_p = 0.6K_u $$, $$\displaystyle K_i = 1.2K_u/P_u $$, $$\displaystyle K_d = 0.075K_u P_u $$ for PID.
-
9. State Space Analysis
State Variables & State Equations
-
State $\mathbf{x}(t)$: minimal set of variables determining future state.
-
State-space model:
$$ \dot{\mathbf{x}} = \mathbf{A}\mathbf{x} + \mathbf{B}u, \quad y = \mathbf{C}\mathbf{x} + \mathbf{D}u $$
-
Canonical Forms:
-
Controllable canonical: $A$ in companion form from transfer function denominator.
-
Observable canonical: $$\displaystyle A^T $$ in controllable canonical form.
-
Controllability & Observability
- Controllability: Can state be driven to origin in finite time?
$$ \boxed{\text{Rank } \mathcal{C} = \text{Rank } [\mathbf{B}\ \mathbf{AB}\ \cdots\ \mathbf{A}^{n-1}\mathbf{B}] = n} $$
- Observability: Can state be estimated from output?
$$ \boxed{\text{Rank } \mathcal{O} = \text{Rank } [\mathbf{C}^T\ (\mathbf{CA})^T\ \cdots\ (\mathbf{CA}^{n-1})^T] = n} $$
State Transition Matrix $\Phi(t)$
-
Defined: $$\displaystyle \Phi(t) = e^{\mathbf{A}t} $$.
-
Properties:
-
$$\displaystyle \Phi(0) = \mathbf{I} $$.
-
$$\displaystyle \Phi^{-1}(t) = \Phi(-t) $$.
-
$$\displaystyle \Phi(t_1)\Phi(t_2) = \Phi(t_1+t_2) $$.
-
$$\displaystyle \frac{d}{dt}\Phi(t) = \mathbf{A}\Phi(t) = \Phi(t)\mathbf{A} $$.
-
-
Computation:
-
If $\mathbf{A}$ diagonalizable: $$\displaystyle \mathbf{A} = \mathbf{V}\Lambda\mathbf{V}^{-1} $$, then $$\displaystyle \Phi(t) = \mathbf{V}e^{\Lambda t}\mathbf{V}^{-1} $$, where $$\displaystyle e^{\Lambda t} = \text{diag}(e^{\lambda_i t}) $$.
-
If not: use Jordan form or inverse Laplace: $$\displaystyle \Phi(t) = \mathcal{L}^{-1}\{(s\mathbf{I}-\mathbf{A})^{-1}\} $$.
-
Eigenvalues & Eigenvectors
-
Eigenvalues $$\displaystyle \lambda_i $$: roots of $$\displaystyle \det(s\mathbf{I}-\mathbf{A})=0 $$ → system poles.
-
Eigenvectors $$\displaystyle \mathbf{v}_i $$: solve $$\displaystyle (\mathbf{A}-\lambda_i\mathbf{I})\mathbf{v}_i = 0 $$.
-
Modal decomposition: $$\displaystyle \mathbf{x}(t) = \sum c_i \mathbf{v}_i e^{\lambda_i t} $$. Stability iff all $$\displaystyle \text{Re}(\lambda_i) < 0 $$.
Solution of State Equations
-
Homogeneous: $$\displaystyle \mathbf{x}(t) = \Phi(t)\mathbf{x}(0) $$.
-
Forced: $$\displaystyle \mathbf{x}(t) = \Phi(t)\mathbf{x}(0) + \int_0^t \Phi(t-\tau)\mathbf{B}u(\tau)d\tau $$.
-
For zero initial state: $$\displaystyle \mathbf{X}(s) = (s\mathbf{I}-\mathbf{A})^{-1}\mathbf{B}U(s) $$.
10. Special Systems & Components
AC Servomotor
-
Construction: Two-phase induction motor with reference winding (voltage $$\displaystyle V_r $$) and control winding (voltage $$\displaystyle V_c $$).
-
Assumptions:
-
Constant field flux (linear magnetization).
-
Rotor inductance and resistance referred to stator constant.
-
Small operating range → linear torque-speed.
-
-
Torque: $$\displaystyle T \propto I_c $$ (control current).
-
Transfer Function:
Derive from torque equation $$\displaystyle J\ddot{\theta} + B\dot{\theta} = K_t I_c $$, and voltage equation $$\displaystyle V_c = R_c I_c + L_c \frac{dI_c}{dt} + K_b \dot{\theta} $$ (back EMF).
Neglect $$\displaystyle L_c $$ (small):
$$ \frac{\theta(s)}{V_c(s)} = \frac{K_t / R_c}{s\left(\frac{J}{B}s + 1\right)\left(\frac{R_c}{K_b} s + 1\right)} \approx \frac{K}{s(Ts+1)} $$
where $$\displaystyle T = J/B $$ (mechanical time constant).
DC Servomotor (Brief)
-
Armature control: $$\displaystyle T = K_t I_a $$, $$\displaystyle V_a = L_a\frac{dI_a}{dt} + R_a I_a + K_b \omega $$.
-
Transfer function: $$\displaystyle \frac{\omega(s)}{V_a(s)} = \frac{K_t}{(J s + B)(L_a s + R_a) + K_t K_b} $$.
Stepper Motors
-
Construction: Stator with multiple phases, rotor (permanent magnet or variable reluctance).
-
Working: Each pulse to a phase causes rotor to move fixed step angle (e.g., 1.8°/step for 200 steps/rev).
-
Applications: Printers, CNC machines, robotics (open-loop position control).
-
Advantages: No feedback needed, precise positioning, holds position at rest.
-
Disadvantages: Resonance at high speeds, torque drops with speed.
Tacho-Generators
-
Principle: DC generator or AC tachometer producing voltage proportional to speed ($$\displaystyle V_{tg} = K_t \omega $$).
-
Use: Provide speed feedback in control systems (e.g., in PID controllers for derivative action).
Linearization Effect of Feedback
-
Feedback reduces sensitivity to parameter variations and linearizes nonlinearities within the loop.
-
For a nonlinear element $$\displaystyle y = f(x) $$, closed-loop transfer approximates linear if feedback is high.
Relative Stability Concepts
-
Gain Margin (GM): Multiplicative factor allowed before instability.
-
Phase Margin (PM): Additional phase lag allowed before instability.
-
Phase Crossover: Frequency where phase = $$\displaystyle -180^\circ $$.
-
Gain Crossover: Frequency where magnitude = 1 (0 dB).
-
Higher GM/PM ⇒ more stable, less oscillatory.
11. Miscellaneous & Short Note Topics
Block Diagram vs. Closed-Loop Comparison
| Aspect | Open Loop | Closed Loop |
|---|---|---|
| Feedback | No | Yes |
| Accuracy | Low (drift, disturbances) | High (compensates) |
| Stability | Always stable | Needs design |
| Complexity | Simple | Complex |
| Sensitivity | High | Low (to parameter changes) |
| Bandwidth | High | Reduced by feedback |
Transfer Function Decomposition
-
Direct Decomposition: Express $G(s)$ as sum of simpler transfer functions (e.g., partial fractions). Useful for state-space realization.
-
Example: $$\displaystyle G(s) = \frac{1}{s(s+1)(s+2)} = \frac{1/2}{s} + \frac{-1}{s+1} + \frac{1/2}{s+2} $$.
Polar Plot for Different System Types
-
Type 0: Ends at origin along $-\text{Im}$ axis if $$\displaystyle n_p > n_z $$.
-
Type 1: Starts at $\infty$ along $$\displaystyle +90^\circ $$, ends on $-\text{Re}$ axis.
-
Type 2: Starts at $\infty$ along $$\displaystyle +180^\circ $$, ends at origin along $-\text{Im}$.
Nyquist vs. Bode Plot Comparison
| Nyquist | Bode |
|---|---|
| Full complex plane plot | Separate magnitude/phase plots |
| Direct stability via encirclements | Stability via GM/PM (indirect) |
| Handles non-minimum phase, time delay well | Approximate for high-order |
| Requires mapping entire contour | Asymptotic approximations easy |
Effect of Open-Loop Poles/Zeros on Root Locus
-
Poles: Attract locus; more poles → more branches to ∞, centroid shifts right.
-
Zeros: Attract locus; adding zeros pulls branches left (improves stability).
-
Asymptote angles depend on $n-m$.
Log Magnitude vs. Phase Plot (Nichols)
-
Plot $20\log|G|$ vs $\angle G$ (linear axes).
-
Constant $$\displaystyle M_p $$, $$\displaystyle T_s $$ curves superimposed → direct readout of time-domain specs from frequency response.
-
Useful for design with multiple constraints.
State Space Representation Benefits
-
Handles MIMO systems naturally.
-
Incorporates initial conditions directly.
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Easily extends to nonlinear systems (via state-space).
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Unified framework for controllability/observability.
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Digital computation friendly.
[!TIP]
Exam Focus:
- Mason’s formula: always compute $\Delta$ carefully, include all non-touching loop combinations.
- Root locus breakaway: solve $$\displaystyle \frac{dK}{ds}=0 $$, verify $$\displaystyle K>0 $$ and on real-axis segment.
- Bode phase margin: always at $$\displaystyle \omega_{gc} $$, not $$\displaystyle \omega_{pc} $$.
- Routh: if first column zero, use $\epsilon$ and check sign change.
- Steady-state error: identify system type correctly from $G(s)H(s)$ (poles at origin).
- Lead compensator: $$\displaystyle \alpha < 1 $$, phase lead positive; lag: $$\displaystyle \beta > 1 $$, phase lag negative.