Control theory: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 10:40, 9 March 2024

Revision as of 01:40, 16 March 2024

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{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2016}}

'''Control theory''' is a field of [[Electricalcontrol engineering|Electrical Engineering]] and [[applied mathematics]] that deals with the [[control system|control]] of [[dynamical system]]s in engineered processes and machines. The objective is to develop a model or algorithm governing the application of system inputs to drive the system to a desired state, while minimizing any ''delay'', ''overshoot'', or ''steady-state error'' and ensuring a level of control [[Stability theory|stability]]; often with the aim to achieve a degree of [[Optimal control|optimality]].

To do this, a '''controller''' with the requisite corrective behavior is required. This controller monitors the controlled [[process variable]] (PV), and compares it with the reference or [[Setpoint (control system)|set point]] (SP). The difference between actual and desired value of the process variable, called the ''error'' signal, or SP-PV error, is applied as feedback to generate a control action to bring the controlled process variable to the same value as the set point. Other aspects which are also studied are [[controllability]] and [[observability]]. Control theory is used in [[control system engineering]] to design automation that have revolutionized manufacturing, aircraft, communications and other industries, and created new fields such as [[robotics]].