Säätelytekniikka

Säätelytekniikka, also known as control engineering or control systems engineering, is a multidisciplinary field of engineering that deals with the behavior of dynamical systems with inputs, and how their behavior is modified by feedback. The ultimate goal of säätelytekniikka is to design systems that can operate automatically and achieve desired performance levels, often in the presence of disturbances or uncertainties.

Key concepts in säätelytekniikka include modeling, analysis, and controller design. Modeling involves creating mathematical representations of the system to be controlled, capturing its dynamic characteristics. Analysis techniques are then used to understand the system's behavior, such as its stability and response to different inputs. Controller design focuses on developing algorithms or physical components that modify the system's inputs to achieve the desired output. Feedback is a fundamental principle, where the system's actual output is measured and compared to the desired output, with the difference used to adjust the input.

Applications of säätelytekniikka are widespread and integral to modern technology. Examples include maintaining a stable temperature in a room using a thermostat, controlling the speed of a vehicle, guiding aircraft and spacecraft, optimizing chemical processes in industrial plants, and managing complex robotic systems. The field draws upon knowledge from mathematics, physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and computer science.