Control systems are integral to instrumentation engineering, designed to regulate the behaviour of dynamic systems. The goal of a control system is to maintain the output within a desired range, often in response to changes in the environment or other external inputs.
- Early Mechanical Systems:
The concept of automatic control systems dates back to ancient civilizations, but it was James Watt’s development of the centrifugal governor in 1788 that marked a significant milestone. This device was used to control the speed of steam engines by regulating the flow of steam.
- Electrical and Electronic Development:
With the advent of electrical engineering in the 19th and 20th centuries, control systems began to include electrical components. The development of electronic computers and circuitry in the mid-20th century enabled more sophisticated feedback systems.
- Modern Digital Control:
The introduction of microprocessors and digital technology in the late 20th century revolutionized control systems, allowing complex, multi-variable control algorithms and the integration of systems across various industries, from manufacturing aerospace.
