Feedback and Control Systems
Feedback and control systems form the foundation of automatic regulation, enabling electronic circuits to maintain desired outputs despite disturbances, component variations, and changing conditions. From the simple thermostat that maintains room temperature to sophisticated industrial process controllers, feedback systems measure actual performance, compare it to a desired setpoint, and generate corrective action to minimize any error.
The study of control systems bridges analog circuit design with systems engineering, combining concepts from signal processing, stability theory, and practical implementation. Understanding how feedback affects circuit behavior enables engineers to design systems that are stable, responsive, and accurate, whether controlling motor speed, regulating voltage, maintaining temperature, or positioning mechanical systems with precision.