Control system - open loop transfer function and open loop gain

AI Thread Summary
Open loop transfer function and open loop gain are often used interchangeably, typically represented as G(s)H(s) in feedback systems. The transfer function provides gain and phase shift at specific frequencies, and variations in open loop gain can lead to negative values due to phase shifts. A negative gain can indicate instability in the system if not properly accounted for in the feedback loop. Authors may not always differentiate between the two terms, reinforcing their close relationship in control theory. Understanding these concepts is crucial for analyzing system stability and performance.
lazyaditya
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control system -- open loop transfer function and open loop gain

Is there any difference between open loop transfer function and open loop gain ?
 
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What if the transfer function was

y = Acos(xt + θ)

where θ was a phase shift.

What would the gain be?

What if the open loop gain varies with frequency?
 


A transfer function gives gain and phase shift at any given frequency. Gain is the first part of that.
 


Does this mean that transfer function can provide with negative value due to phase shift !
 


lazyaditya said:
Is there any difference between open loop transfer function and open loop gain ?
I think you will find some authors make no distinction, both terms equating to G(s)H(s).
 


lazyaditya said:
Does this mean that transfer function can provide with negative value due to phase shift !
There has to be a negative sign somewhere in the loop over the frequency band of interest*, either in G(s) or else H(s), otherwise your loop gain will be +ve and when the loop is closed the system will be unstable.
 


lazyaditya said:
Does this mean that transfer function can provide with negative value due to phase shift !

Most assuredly yes.

Consider H(s) = 1/s2. Letting s = jω you get a gain of -1/ω2, in other words a phase shift of 180 degrees.

(This is two integrators in cascade FYI).
 


NascentOxygen said:
I think you will find some authors make no distinction, both terms equating to G(s)H(s).

That would be the loop gain since H(s) is normally in the feedback path :)

Open loop transfer function and open loop gain are almost used interchangeably. It's assumed to be the 'A' part (or 'G' part) of your standard feedback loop diagram.

Loop gain is the gain after making one lap around the feedback loop from the output of the summer to the input of the summer and is Aβ (or GH) of your standard feedback loop diagram.
 


aralbrec said:
NascentOxygen said:
I think you will find some authors make no distinction, both terms equating to G(s)H(s)
That would be the loop gain since H(s) is normally in the feedback path
Correct. ... equating both to G(s).
 

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