speedproportional

Speedproportional, commonly written as speed proportional control, is a feedback control method used to regulate the velocity of a dynamic system by applying a control input that is proportional to the velocity error. The velocity error e(t) is the difference between a desired speed r and the actual speed v(t). The basic control law is u(t) = Kp · e(t).

When the reference speed is constant, a pure proportional controller drives the velocity toward r, but it may leave a steady-state error in the presence of disturbances or model mismatch. The method is simple and fast-acting, making it suitable as a primary stage in speed regulation or as a velocity loop within larger control schemes.

Applications commonly include DC motor speed regulation, conveyor belts, and robotic actuators. In many systems, speed proportional control is combined with integral action, forming PI or PID controllers, to reduce steady-state error and improve disturbance rejection while preserving the fast responsiveness of the proportional term.

Implementation requires reliable velocity sensing, such as tachometers or encoders, and careful gain selection to balance speed of response with stability. Sensor noise and actuator saturation can limit performance, and the controller may need supplementary features such as anti-windup or filter stages in practical designs.