Rückführungssteuerung

Rückführungssteuerung, often translated as feedback control, is a fundamental concept in control theory and engineering. It involves using the output of a system to influence its input. This closed-loop process aims to maintain a desired state or trajectory of the system despite disturbances or uncertainties.

In a feedback control system, sensors measure the actual output of the system. This measured output is then compared to a reference input, which represents the desired state. The difference between the actual and desired output, known as the error signal, is fed into a controller. The controller processes this error signal and generates a control signal that is applied to the system's input. The goal of the controller is to minimize the error signal, thereby bringing the system's output closer to the desired reference.

This principle is widely applied across various fields. In automation, it is used in robotics to control arm movements or in manufacturing processes to maintain precise temperatures or pressures. In automotive engineering, cruise control systems utilize feedback control to maintain a set speed. Environmental control systems in buildings, such as thermostats, also rely on feedback to regulate temperature. The effectiveness of a feedback control system depends on factors like the controller's design, the system's dynamics, and the presence of noise or delays.