Components of Control Systems

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What is the role of a sensor in a control system?

A sensor measures a physical quantity and converts it into a signal that can be read by an observer or by an instrument.

What does an actuator do in a control system?

An actuator is a component of a machine that is responsible for moving or controlling a mechanism or system.

What is a controller in a control system?

A controller processes the sensor signal to generate the appropriate control signal to the actuator to achieve desired performance.

Explain the function of a compensator in control systems.

A compensator modifies the system dynamics to achieve desirable performance and stability characteristics.

What is the function of a comparator in control systems?

A comparator compares the desired reference value with the actual output and generates an error signal.

What role does a transducer play in control systems?

A transducer converts one form of energy into another, commonly used to convert physical signals into electrical signals.

What is 'servomechanism' in control systems?

A servomechanism is an automatic device that uses error-sensing feedback to correct the performance of a mechanism.

Describe the function of a signal conditioner in control systems.

A signal conditioner converts or modifies sensor signals into the appropriate form for processing or additional instrumentation.

What is an error detector in a control system?

An error detector measures the difference between the desired set point and the actual output of the system.

What is system 'damping' in control systems?

Damping is a mechanism within the control system to decrease the system's oscillation and bring it to rest.

Explain the significance of 'lead compensator' in control systems.

A lead compensator increases the stability or speed of response of a control system.

What is the role of the processor unit in digital control systems?

The processor unit performs control algorithms and handles data acquisition and communication with other system components.

What is a 'filter' in control systems?

A filter removes undesirable frequencies from signals, leaving only those components that are of interest.

Define the term 'control loop'.

A control loop is a closed path followed by a control signal as it travels from controller to process and back to the controller.

What does 'reference input' mean in control systems?

The reference input is the desired value or set point that the system aims to follow or achieve.