|
You are here :
Control System Design - Index | Book Contents |
Chapter 1
| Section 1.5
1. The Excitement of Control Engineering
1.5.10 Homogeneity
A final point is that all interconnected systems, including
control systems, are only as good as their weakest element. The
implications of this in control-system design are that one should
aim to have all components (plant, sensors, actuators,
communications, computing, interfaces, algorithms, etc,) be of
roughly comparable accuracy and performance. If this is not
possible, then one should focus on the weakest component to get
the best return for a given level of investment. For example,
there is no point placing all one's attention on improving linear
models (as has become fashionable in parts of modern control
theory) if the performance-limiting factor is that one needs to
replace a sticking valve or to develop a virtual sensor for a key
missing measurement. Thus, a holistic viewpoint is required with
an accurate assessment of error budgets associated with each
subcomponent.
|
