control systems
Automated process management
Control systems are mechanisms that regulate, direct, or manage the behavior of other systems or processes.
In engineering, they range from simple thermostats to complex automated manufacturing equipment—any arrangement where inputs are monitored and outputs adjusted to achieve desired performance.
The field encompasses feedback loops, sensors, and actuators working together: The aircraft's control systems maintain stable flight.
In broader usage, control systems can refer to any organizational or procedural structure that governs behavior: The company implemented new financial control systems after the audit.
Curve closing on itself
- inputData received for processing
- outputWhat something generates
- responseAnswer to stimulus
- signalMessage-conveying cue
correction · adjustment · error · setpoint · gain · damping · closed-loop · open-loop
Industrial automation computer
- actuatorsMovement-producing mechanisms
- sensorsDevices that detect input
- industrialOf factories and production
- manufacturingIndustrial product creation
assembly line · conveyor · robotics · IoT · remote monitoring · batch process · sequential · interlocks
State of balance
- robustnessResistance to failure
- dampingDissipation of vibrational energy
- convergenceProcess of approaching sameness
- steady-stateCondition of constant balance
poles · zeros · oscillation · bounded · overdamped · instability · perturbation · eigenvalues
Study of forces
- simulationImitation of real processes
- differential equationsEquations containing derivatives
- LaplaceFrench mathematical physicist's surname
- linearizationApproximating nonlinear with linear
nonlinear · block diagram · frequency response · mathematical model
Running task's identifier
- proportionalScaled to match another
- integralAntiderivative or crucial component
- derivativeFunction's rate of change
- tuningAdjusting pitch accuracy
cascade · feedforward · constraints · limits · saturation · tolerance · specifications
Automatically optimizing own settings
- learningGaining knowledge gradually
- neural networkInterconnected computational nodes mimicking cognition
- fuzzy logicReasoning with gradations, not absolutes
- genetic algorithmOptimization mimicking natural selection
real-time · online · identification · uncertainty · reconfigurable
loop
Curve closing on itself
signal · correction · adjustment · error · setpoint · gain · damping · closed-loop · open-loop · negative feedback
PLC
Industrial automation computer
- actuatorsMovement-producing mechanisms
- sensorsDevices that detect input
- industrialOf factories and production
manufacturing · assembly line · conveyor · robotics · IoT · remote monitoring · batch process · sequential · interlocks · machine vision
equilibrium
State of balance
- robustnessResistance to failure
- dampingDissipation of vibrational energy
- convergenceProcess of approaching sameness
steady-state · poles · zeros · oscillation · bounded · overdamped · instability · perturbation · eigenvalues
dynamics
Study of forces
- simulationImitation of real processes
- differential equationsEquations containing derivatives
- LaplaceFrench mathematical physicist's surname
linearization · nonlinear · block diagram · frequency response · mathematical model
PID
Running task's identifier
- proportionalScaled to match another
- integralAntiderivative or crucial component
- derivativeFunction's rate of change
tuning · cascade · feedforward · constraints · limits · saturation · tolerance · specifications
self-tuning
Automatically optimizing own settings
- learningGaining knowledge gradually
- neural networkInterconnected computational nodes mimicking cognition
- fuzzy logicReasoning with gradations, not absolutes
genetic algorithm · real-time · online · identification · uncertainty · reconfigurable
- simulation modelspredictive models, Monte Carlo, climate models, growth models, carrying capacity
- aerospaceairplane, helicopter, rocket, rockets, spacecraft
- computingcomputer, computers, software, hardware, code
- engineeringengineers, civil engineering, engineering, electrical engineering, blueprint
- machineryengine, machinery, industrial machinery, motors, engines
- electrical engineeringelectrical engineer, current, circuit design, circuits, voltage
control systemsmanual operation
Control by human action
manual control · hand control · artisanal methods · manual labor
control systemschaos
Complete disorder and confusion
disorder · instability · anarchy · entropy · randomness
control, system, controller, controlled, controlling, controls, uncontrolled, controllable, controllers