Biomedical Cybernetics
Register
Advertisement

Synonyms: control circuit, control loop, closed-loop control, feedback interaction

Definition[]

Information processing structures that comprise a control process with inclosed degenerative feedback (thus forming a loop) are referred to as feedback control systems. Feedback control permits that vitally important parameters of body function like osmolality, pH and Oxygen-tension as well as plasma level of hormones and body temperature remain constant or in a compliant range (Homeostasis).

Example[]

Example of a 0th order linear feedback control system with load:

Proportional controller

e(t) = x(t) - yR(t)

yS(t) = G1 e(t) = G1 [x(t) - yR(t)]

y(t) = yS(t) + z(t) = G1 [x(t) - yR(t)] + z(t)

yR(t) = G2 y(t)

y(t) = G1 x(t) - G1 G2 y(t) + z(t)

x: set point, e: error, y: controlled variable, yS: manipulated variable, yR: measured variable, z: load, disturbance variable, G1: amplification factor of direct branch, G2: amplification factor of feedback path.

See the legend for an explanation of symbols.

Types[]

Selected types of feedback control cover:

  • Unity feedback systems
  • Linear feedback control
  • Nonlinear feedback control
    • Divisive feedback control
      • Divisive 0th order feedback control
      • Divisive 1st order feedback control
      • Divisive higher order feedback control
    • Control circuits with Michaelis-Menten-type saturable elements
      • MiMe-NoCoDI models

Feedback systems are also classified according to their behaviour with regard to a set point. Regulators hold the controlled variable steady, while tracking or servo systems track a reference signal.

Physiology[]

Feedback control systems play essential roles in the organism. Examples are:

  • Osmoregulation
  • corticotropic feedback controls
  • gonadotropic feedback controls
  • thyrotropic feedback control
  • homeostasis of blood glucose level
  • control of blood pressure
  • control of respiration and plasma pH
  • thermoregulation in homeotherms
  • synchronisation of root and crown growth in plants

Mathematical description and modelling[]

Common methods for describing the relation among structure and behaviour of feedback control systems are:

Additionally, the behaviour of control circuits may be studied with simulative methods (in silico modelling).

Background[]

Physiological systems theory, a subsection of medical cybernetics deals with mathematical description and analysis of feedback control systems and other information processing structures.

External Links[]

Advertisement