control systems

control systems

control systems combinations of components (electrical, mechanical, thermal, or hydraulic) that act together to maintain actual system performance close to a desired set of performance specifications. Open-loop control systems (e.g., automatic toasters and alarm clocks) are those in which the output has no effect on the input. Closed-loop control systems (e.g., thermostats, engine governors, automotive cruise-control systems, and automatic tuning control circuits) are those in which the output has an effect on the input in such a way as to maintain the desired output value. A closed-loop system includes some way to measure its output to sense changes so that corrective action can be taken. The speed with which a simple closed-loop control system moves to correct its output is described by its damping ratio and natural frequency. A system with a small damping ratio is characterized by overshooting the desired output before settling down. Systems with larger damping ratios do not overshoot the desired output, but respond more slowly. See feedback .

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"control systems." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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control system

control system In geomorphology, a process-response system where human interference changes the natural functioning of the system. For example, the trapping of sediments that occurs where beach groynes are built may lead to erosion within the adjacent subsystem and so to a change in the geometry of the overall process–response system.

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AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "control system." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "control system." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-controlsystem.html

AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "control system." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-controlsystem.html

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control systems (managerial)

control systems (managerial) See TRUST AND DISTRUST.

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GORDON MARSHALL. "control systems (managerial)." A Dictionary of Sociology. 1998. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

GORDON MARSHALL. "control systems (managerial)." A Dictionary of Sociology. 1998. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O88-controlsystemsmanagerial.html

GORDON MARSHALL. "control systems (managerial)." A Dictionary of Sociology. 1998. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O88-controlsystemsmanagerial.html

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