System Identification: Regression Models

This lecture provides an overview of modern data-driven regression methods for linear and nonlinear system identification, based on the dynamic mode decomposition (DMD), Koopman theory, and...

No! Not Laplace Transforms

In my 13-year industrial career, I never used Laplace transforms.  However, transfer functions and block diagram notation are efficient methods to describe dynamic behaviors, and are often...

Scaled Transmission Signals, Engineering Units, and Conversions

Information is transmitted in scaled signals (4-20 mA, 3-15 psig, 0-100%, digital counts), which are also deviations from some reference vales (such as psi gage is to psia).  But process...

Cascade Control 1

Cascade Control Overview

Feedforward Control

When and how to use Feedforward Control

What are Polynomial Models?

This Mathworks page provides an overview of polynomial models. 

Wind Tunnel Data Analysis and Testing Considerations

This is the last video in our 3 part series on wind tunnel testing. In this video, we discuss what typical plots of wind tunnel data might look like and how to extract relevant information...

FOPDT Models from Skyline Inputs

The classic textbook method to generate FOPDT models is the reaction curve technique, a pre-computer era technique:  Start from a steady state, make a step and hold in the controller output...

MATLAB Command: goodnessOfFit

Goodness of fit between test and reference data for analysis and validation of identified models

Yann LeCun’s Deep Learning Course at CDS

This course concerns the latest techniques in deep learning and representation learning, focusing on supervised and unsupervised deep learning, embedding methods, metric learning...

Multibeam Radar for Adaptive Search and Track

This MATLAB example shows how to use radarDataGenerator for a closed-loop simulation of a multifunction phased array radar (MPAR). The example starts by defining MPAR system parameters and...

Output Characterization to Linearize a Loop - Control valve application

This application paper explains how a control valve created nonlinearity in a loop and how output characterization solved the problem

Toys for Control Education

Teaching materials for control engineering education that run in web browsers. Speed control, position control, step response of 2nd order system, pole and impulse response, and rocket.

How I put the Google Maps Algorithm on my Autonomous Drone

This fully autonomous drone has an onboard computer ‘brain’, camera ‘eyes’, and an algorithm that generates the fastest path around unknown obstacles as they’re detected mid-flight. Let’s...

Data based modeling of nonlinear dynamic systems using System Identification...

Using an engine throttle valve modeling example, this demo shares some perspectives on creation of nonlinear models of dynamic systems from the measurements of its input and outputs. It...

Simultaneous Range and Speed Estimation Using MFSK Waveform

This MATLAB example compares triangle sweep frequency-modulated continuous (FMCW) and multiple frequency-shift keying (MFSK) waveforms used for simultaneous range and speed estimation for...

Multi-agent reinforcement learning: An overview

From the abstract:

Multi-agent systems can be used to address problems in a variety of do- mains, including robotics, distributed control, telecommunications, and economics. The complexity...

Interactive Tool about control signal saturation (windup) with PID control

The purpose of this module is to give a familiarity with the phenomenon of integral windup and a method for avoiding it. The module shows process outputs and control signals for unlimited...

Understanding P, I, and D

Understanding what the proportional, integral, and derivative terms do within the PID controller is essential to choose appropriate action, trouble shoot controllers, chose appropriate...

Feedforward Control

When a Ratio Control strategy takes action too soon, use Feedforward to temper the dynamics.  When a disturbance can be measured, but would not be a ratio of the control output use...

Learning Dynamic Systems & Control Engineering with a Video Game

Engineering Students at Northern Illinois University are learning one of their core subjects, Dynamic Systems & Control, with the aid of a video game.

Ratio Control and Scaled Signal Calculations

When and how to use Ratio Control and use Scaled Signals

Two Tank System: C MEX-File Modeling of Time-Continuous SISO System

This MATLAB example shows how to perform IDNLGREY modeling based on C MEX model files. It uses a simple system where nonlinear state space modeling really pays off.

Use First-Principles Modeling to Get FOPDT Coefficient Values

Conventionally, we obtain model coefficient values by open-loop step-testing of the process; but this creates undesirable process upsets, and only reveals the local process behavior.  This...

Adaptive Control (Part II) —Modeling the X-15’s Adaptive Flight Control Syst...

This blog post shows how to build from scratch a Simulink model of the famous MH-96, the X-15's Adaptive Flight Control System