Control engineering applies control theory to design systems, allowing machines to operate independently. Modern and classical control theory are the two main schools of thought, with modern theory focusing on multiple input and output systems and classical theory focusing on single-input, single-output systems. Control engineering is a vital part of many engineering disciplines, including electrical, electronics, mechanical, computer science, aerospace, and chemical engineering.
Control engineering is a type of engineering that applies control theory to various design systems. Control engineers work with many types of technology, from home appliances to rockets, to create control systems. Control engineering is based on specific mathematical theories that allow engineers to effectively gather control feedback.
Once the feedback is calculated, engineers apply this information in creating a control system. A complete control system will allow any machine to operate independently. Almost every type of machine has a control system that has been designed by a control engineer. Without this field of study, machines would not be able to operate without constant human interference.
Using modern technology, control engineers can command any type of system. Systems can include electrical, financial, mechanical, chemical, fluid, and sometimes biological. Control theory is divided into two main schools of thought that are studied today. These two schools of thought include modern control theory and classical control theory.
The best way to distinguish between modern control theory and classical control theory is to look at the differences in domain usage. Frequency domains refer to an infinite time response that sweeps in frequency. S-complex domains are similar to frequency domains, although they are a literal abstraction of frequency.
Modern control theory is performed only in the s-complex or frequency domain. Furthermore, modern control theory can be applied to multiple input and output systems. Those who practice modern control theory often stick to this form of control engineering. Likewise, engineers who follow classical control theory almost never use modern control theory.
In contrast to modern control theory, classical control theory deals strictly with single-input, single-output systems. Classical control theory is practiced using differential equations in conjunction with s-complex domains. Today’s control systems are almost entirely mechanical, although control engineers provide the basic control systems for most machines.
Control engineering is a relatively new discipline in the field of engineering. The practical use of control theory was not exercised until the 20th century. Prior to the 20th century, technology was not a vital part of society. As technology began to advance rapidly, the demand for control engineers also began to increase. Although control theory was present in the field of mechanical engineering, directly following the need for control engineers, it was not a big part of other engineering disciplines until very recently.
Today, college-level control engineering courses are often part of electrical, electronics, mechanical, computer science, or aerospace engineering disciplines. Chemical engineering also includes a form of control theory, although this type of study is often referred to as process control. Essentially, most engineering disciplines incorporate some form of control theory, as it has proven to be highly important in the field of engineering.
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