Automatic Control Theory

I took Automatic Control Theory in the semester of Fall 1991.

Automatic Control is the research area and theoretical base for mechanization and automation, employing methods from mathematics and engineering. A central concept is that of the system which is to be controlled, such as a rudder, propeller or an entire ballistic missile. The systems studied within automatic control are mostly the linear systems.

Automatic Control systems are composed of three components:

- Sensor(s), which measure some physical state such as temperature or liquid level.

- Responder(s), which may be simple electrical or mechanical systems or complex special purpose digital controllers or general purpose computers.

- Actuator(s), which effect a response to the sensor(s) under the command of the responder, for example, by controlling a gas flow to a burner in a heating system or electricity to a motor in a refrigerator or  pump.