process control
• The idea of using digital computers
as components in control systems
emerged around 1950.
• Applications with missiles and
automatic control of aircrafts were the
first to be investigated.
• In those days computers were very
large and did not allow real
applications.
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Historical periods of computer control
2
Historical periods of computer control
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Historical periods of computer control
6
Historical periods of computer control
Microcomputer period:
• The low prices of computers caused that the
computer-based control were a real
alternative.
• The digital systems were included even in the
loops in the lowest level.
• Analog technology was replaced by digital.
• The computer had effect directly on the
process
• Improved communication with the operator. A
computerized panel can replace a wall of
instruments.
• Ease of redesign (reprogramming VS rewiring)
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The present and future
r e Digital u Plant or y
D/A
Computer Process
Synchronization
Pulse v
y*
A/D Sensor
Notation:
• r = reference • e = r – y*
• u = control signal • w= disturbance in the process
• y = process variable • v= disturbance in the sensor
• y* = sampled process variable
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Advantages
• Low susceptibility to environmental conditions
• Immunity to electrical noise
• No parameter deviation
• Reliability (100,000 hrs. → MTBF –Mean Time
Between Failures–)
• Complex tasks at low cost
• Flexibility in the program of control
(reprogramming)
• Ease-of-use human man interfaces
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Disadvantages
• Limited precision (finite representation in the
computer)
→ errors around the zero
→ lost of information
• Limitation in processing speed → delays
• System design → total discretization
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Applications
Flight control
Modern
medicine Automotive
industry
Robotics Numerical
Aeronautics control machines
Hard disk
control
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