Scribd
Upload
5 views

Introduction to Control SystemsChapter 2 (

Chapter 2 introduces the concept of transfer functions, defined as the ratio of the Laplace transform of the output to the input of a linear, stationary system. It emphasizes that transfer functions describe the dynamics of a system without detailing its internal structure. An example of a spring-mass-damper system is provided to illustrate the derivation of a transfer function using Laplace transformations.

Uploaded by

lasantha abeykoon
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
5 views

Introduction to Control SystemsChapter 2 (

Chapter 2 introduces the concept of transfer functions, defined as the ratio of the Laplace transform of the output to the input of a linear, stationary system. It emphasizes that transfer functions describe the dynamics of a system without detailing its internal structure. An example of a spring-mass-damper system is provided to illustrate the derivation of a transfer function using Laplace transformations.

Uploaded by

lasantha abeykoon
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Chapter 2: Transfer Function concept

2.1. Introduction
The transfer function is defined as the ratio of the Laplace transform of the output variable to the
Laplace transform of the input variable, with all initial conditions assumed to be zero. The transfer
function of a system (or element) represents the relationship describing the dynamics of the system
under consideration. A transfer function may be defined only for a linear, stationary (constant
parameter) system. A non-stationary system, often called a time-varying system, has one or more time-
varying parameters, and the Laplace transformation may not be utilized. Furthermore, a transfer
function is an input-output description of the behavior of a system. Thus, the transfer function
description does not include any information concerning the internal structure of the system and its
behavior. The dynamic of linear time-invariant system (whose coefficients are constant) are represented
by linear differential equation such as:

( ) ( ) ( )
+ +⋯⋯+ + ( )

( ) ( )
= +⋯⋯ + ( ) (2.1)

The Laplace transformation of the above equation with zero initial conditions leads to

( + + ⋯⋯+ + ) ( )
=( + ⋯⋯ + ) ( ) (2.2)

Designating the transfer function of the system as ( ), we get

( )
( )= =
( )

( + ⋯⋯ + )
= (2.3)
( + +⋯⋯+ + )

EE4001: Control Systems I | Chapter 2 1


Example 2.1
Consider the spring-mass-damper system shown in Figure 2.1. Assume that the system is linear. The
external force ( ) is the input to the system, and the displacement ( ) of the mass is the output. The
displacement ( ) is measured from the equilibrium position in the absence of the external force.
Derive the transfer function of the system.

Figure 2.1: Spring-mass-damper system

From the diagram, the system equation is


̈( ) + (̇ ) + ( ) = ( ) (2.4)

The Laplace transformation of the above equation with zero initial conditions leads to

( ) + ( ) + ( ) = ( ) (2.5)

( )
( )= =
( ) + +

EE4001: Control Systems I | Chapter 2 2

You might also like