Everyday Science · 45 sec
Control theory
The science behind something you encounter, use, or wonder about.
The useful idea
- Inputs seek a state
The aim is to develop a model or algorithm governing the application of system inputs to drive the system to a desired state,
- Feedback compares
The difference between actual and desired value of the process variable, called the error signal, or SP-PV error, is applied as feedback
- A controller corrects
To do this, a controller with the requisite corrective behavior is required.
Why this matters
Look for Control theory the next time you notice this pattern in everyday life.
Try this
Look for Control theory the next time you notice this pattern in everyday life.
Test your recall
Which idea belongs to the explanation of Control theory?
- Inputs seek a state — correct
- Feedback compares
- A controller corrects
The aim is to develop a model or algorithm governing the application of system inputs to drive the system to a desired state,