AUTOMATIC CONTROL

Exercises

Department of Automatic Control

Lund University, Faculty of Engineering
2014

1
1. Model Building and Linearization

1.1 Many everyday situations may be described and analyzed using con-
cepts from automatic control. Analyze the scenarios below and try
to give a description that captures the relevant properties of the
system:
• What should be controlled?
• What control signals are used?
• What measurement signals are available?
• Is the system affected by any disturbances?
• Is feedback or feedforward used for control?
• Draw a block diagram that describes the system. The block di-
agram should show how the measurement signals, control sig-
nals, and the disturbances are connected to the human (which
here is the controller), and to the process.
a. You take a shower and try to get desired temperature and flow of
the water.
b. You drive a car.

c. You boil potatoes on the stove.

1.2 A car drives on a flat road and we assume that friction and air
resistance are negligible. We want to study how the car is affected
by the gas pedal position u. We assume that u varies between 0
and 1, and that the acceleration of the car is proportional to the gas
pedal position, a = ku.

u y
Bil

a. Write down the differential equation that describes the relation be-
tween the gas pedal position u and the velocity of the car.

b. Let the output of the system be the velocity of the car, y = v. Write
the system on state-space form.
c. Let the output of the system be the position of the car, y = p. Write
the system on state-space form.
d. Assume that the car is affected by air resistance that gives a counter
force that is proportional to the square of the velocity of the car. With
the gas pedal position as control signal and the velocity of the car
as measurement signal, the system may now be written as

ẋ = −mx2 + ku
y= x

3
Chapter 1. Model Building and Linearization

The system is no longer linear (why?). Let k = 1 and m = 0.001.

Find the stationary velocity y0 that corresponds to the gas pedal
being 10% down, u0 = 0.1.

e. Linearize the system around the stationary point in d.

1.3 In the right figure, a mass m is attached y(t)

to a wall with a spring and a damper.
The spring has a spring constant k and k
the damper has a damping constant c. It m
is assumed that k > c2 /4m. An external f (t)
force f is acting on the mass. We denote c
the translation of the mass from its equilibrium position by y. Fur-
ther, we let f (t) be the input signal and y(t) be the output signal.
The force equation gives

m ÿ = − ky − c ẏ + f
a. Introduce the states x1 = y and x2 = ẏ and write down the state
space representation of the system.

b. Assume that the system is at rest at t = 0 and that f (t) changes

from 0 to 1 as a step at t = 0. What is the resulting y(t)? Sketch the
solution.

1.4 In the RLC circuit to the right, i R

the input and output voltages are + +
given by vin (t) and vout (t), respec-
tively. By means of Kirchhoff’s vin C vout
voltage law we see that
− L −

di
vin − Ri − vout − L =0
dt

For the capacitor, we additionally have

Cv̇out = i

Introduce the states x1 = vout and x2 = v̇out and give the state space
representation of the system.

1.5 A cylindrical water tank with cross section qin

A has an inflow qin and an outflow qout .
The outlet area is a. Under the assump-
tion that the outlet area is small in com-
parison to the cross section
√ of the tank,
Torricelli’s law vout = 2ˆh is valid and h
gives the outflow rate.
qout
a. What would be a suitable state variable
for this system? Determine a differential
equation, which tells how the state variable depends on the inflow
qin .

4
 Chapter 1. Model Building and Linearization

b. Give the state space representation of the dependence of the inflow

qin on the outflow qout .
c. Let the inflow be constant, qin = q0in . Determine the corresponding
constant tank level h0 and outflow q0out . Linearize the system around
this stationary point.

1.6 Give the state space representation of the system

...
y + 3 ÿ + 2 ẏ + y = u

where u(t) and y(t) are the input and output, respectively. Choose
states x1 = y, x2 = ẏ and x3 = ÿ.

1.7 A process with output y(t) and input u(t) is described by the differ-
ential equation
√
ÿ + y + yẏ = u2
a. Introduce states x1 = y, x2 = ẏ and give the state space representa-
tion of the system.
b. Find all stationary points ( x10 , x20 , u0 ) of the system.
c. Linearize the system around the stationary point corresponding to
u0 = 1.

1.8 Linearize the system

√
ẋ1 = x12 x2 + 2 sin u ( = f1 ( x1 , x2 , u))
2
√
ẋ2 = x1 x2 + 2 cos u ( = f2 ( x1 , x2 , u))
x2
y = arctan + 2u2 ( = ˆ( x1 , x2 , u))
x1
around the stationary point u0 = π /4.

1.9 A simple model of a satellite, orbiting the earth, is given by the

differential equation
β
r̈(t) = r(t)ω 2 − + u(t)
r2 (t)
where r is the satellite’s distance to the earth and ω is its angular
acceleration, see Figure 1.1. The satellite has an engine, which can
exert a radial force u.
a. Introduce the state vector
 
 r(t) 
x(t) = 
 

ṙ(t)
and write down the nonlinear state space equations for the system.
b. Linearize the state space equations around the stationary point



r, ṙ, u = r0 , 0, 0
Consider r as the output and give the state space representation of
the linear system. Express r0 in β and ω .

5
Chapter 1. Model Building and Linearization

u(t)

r(t)

Figure 1.1 Satellite orbiting the earth.

6
2. Dynamical Systems

2.1 A dynamical system may be described in various ways – with a

transfer function, with a differential equation, and with a system
of differential equations on state-space form. In this problem we
transfer between the different representations for four examples of
dynamical systems, from biology, mechanics, electronics, and eco-
nomics.

a. A model for bacterial growth in a bioreactor is given by

   
 10 1  0
ẋ = 
 x+
   u
−1 −1 1
 
y = 1 0 x

where u is the inflow of glucose to the reactor, and y is the bio

mass. Determine the transfer function from u to y, and a differential
equation that determines the relation between the input and output
signals of the system.

b. A simple model of a telescope is given by

d2 y dy
J 2
+D =u
dt dt
where yis the angle of the telescope to the earth surface, and u is
the torque from the motor that controls the telescope. Determine the
transfer function from u to y and write the system on state-space
form.

c. An electronic low pass filter is used at recordings to attenuate high

frequency noise. The input u is the original noisy signal, and the
output y is the recorded signal. The filter is given on state-space
form as
dx 1 1
=− x+ u
dt k k
y= x

Determine the transfer function from u to y.

d. The transfer function for a model that describes economical growth

is given by
γ
G (s) =
s3 + α s2 + β s
where the input u is the difference between savings and investments
in the economy, and the output y is GDP. Write the system on state-
space form.

2.2 Determine the transfer functions and give differential equations,

describing the relation between input and output for the following
systems, respectively.

7
Chapter 2. Dynamical Systems

a.    
 − 2 0  5
ẋ = 
 x+
   u
0 −3 2
 
y =  −1 1  x + 2u

b.    
 −7 2  3
ẋ = 
 x+
  u
−15 4 8
 
y =  −2 1  x

c.    
 −1 0  3
ẋ = 
 x+
  u
0 −4 2
 
y =  1 0  x + 5u

d.    
 1 4   −1 
ẋ = 
 x+
  u

−2 −3 1
 
y =  1 2  x + 3u

2.3 Determine the impulse and step responses of the systems in assign-
ment 2.2.

2.4 Derive the formula G (s) = C(sI − A)−1 B + D for a general system

ẋ = Ax + Bu
y = Cx + Du

2.5 Consider the system

1
G (s) =
s2 + 4s + 3

a. Calculate the poles and zeros of the system. Is the system stable?

b. What is the static gain of the system?

c. Calculate the initial value and final value of the step response of
the system.

d. Calculate the initial value and final value of the impulse response
of the system.

e. Calculate the initial derivative of the step response of the system.

2.6 Consider the system

0.25
G (s) =
s2 + 0.6s + 0.25

8
 Chapter 2. Dynamical Systems

a. Calculate the poles and zeros of the system.

b. What is the static gain of the system?

c. Calculate and sketch the step response of the system.

2.7 Determine the transfer function and poles of the oscillating mass in
assignment 1.3. Explain how the poles move if one changes k and c,
respectively. Can the poles end up in the right half plane?

2.8 Determine the transfer function of

a. the RLC circuit in assignment 1.4,

b. the linearized tank in assignment 1.5.

2.9 Consider the linear time invariant system

   
dx  0 −1   1
= 
 x +  
 u
dt 1 0 0
 
y = 1 −1  x

a. Is the system asymptotically stable?

b. Is the system stable?

2.10 Does the transfer function

s+4
G (s) =
s3 + 2s2 + 3s + 7

have any poles in the right half plane?

2.11 Determine which five of the following transfer functions correspond

to the step responses A–E below.

0.1 4
G1 (s) = G2 (s) =
s + 0.1 s2
+ 2s + 4
0.5 −0.5
G3 (s) = 2 G4 (s) = 2
s − 0.1s + 2 s + 0.1s + 2
1 4
G5 (s) = G6 (s) = 2
s+1 s + 0.8s + 4
2
G7 (s) = 2
s +s+3

9
Chapter 2. Dynamical Systems

y y
A B
1 1

1 t 1 t

y y
C D
1 1

1 t 1 t

y
E
1

1 t

2.12 Pair each of the four pole-zero plots with the corresponding step
responses A–G.

1 2
1 1

−3 −2 −1 1 −3 −2 −1 1
−1 −1

3 4
1 1

−3 −2 −1 1 −3 −2 −1 1
−1 −1

10
 Chapter 2. Dynamical Systems

y A y B

1 1

1 t 1 t

y C y D

1 1

1 t 1 t

y E y F

1 1

1 t 1 t

y G

1 t

2.13 Glycemic index (GI) is a measure of how fast carbohydrates in food

are processed by the body. To obtain the glycemic index, the system
in Figure 2.1 is studied, where G (s) is different for different types
of carbohydrates.

food intake glucose level

G (s)

Figure 2.1

a. Figure 2.2 shows the impulse response from food intake to glucose
level for two types of food: whole grain pasta with low GI (solid line)
and lemonade with high GI (dashed line). Which of the following
transfer functions may be used to model the uptake of whole grain
pasta and lemonade, respectively?

11
Chapter 2. Dynamical Systems

1 1
G1 (s) = s+ 1 G2 (s) = s/3+1
1 1
G3 (s) = (s+1)2
G4 (s) = (s/3+1)2
1 1
G5 (s) = s(s+1)
G6 (s) = s(s/3+1)

1.5
pasta
lemonade
glucose level

0.5

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Time (h)

Figure 2.2

b. Why is it more relevant to look at the impulse response rather than

the step response for this application?

2.14 Determine the transfer function from U to Y for the systems below.

a.
U + G1 Y

G2

b.
H1

U G1 + G2 Y

H2

c.
G3 +

U + G1 G2 Y

12
 Chapter 2. Dynamical Systems

d.
U + G1 + G2 Y

− H2

− H1

2.15 The block diagram in Figure 2.3 describes temperature control in a

room. The measurement signal y is the temperature in the room. The
control signal u is the power of the radiators. The reference value r
is the desired temperature. A controller G R (s) controls the power of
the radiators based on the difference of the desired and measured
temperature, e. The temperature of the room is also affected by the
outdoor temperature, which may be seen as a disturbance, d.

D (s)

R(s) E(s) U (s) Y (s)

+ G R (s) + G P (s)

−1

Figure 2.3

a. Determine the transfer function from R(s) to Y (s).

b. Determine the transfer function from D (s) to Y (s).

c. Determine the transfer function from R(s) to E(s).

d. Determine the transfer function from D (s) to U (s).

2.16 Consider the transfer function

s2 + 6s + 7
G (s) =
s2 + 5s + 6

Write the system on

a. diagonal form,

b. controllable canonical form,

c. observable canonical form.

13
3. Frequency Analysis

3.1 Assume that the system

0.01(1 + 10s)
G (s) =
(1 + s)(1 + 0.1s)

is subject to the input u(t) = sin 3t, −∞ < t < ∞

a. Determine the output y(t).

b. The Bode plot of the system is shown in Figure 3.1. Determine the
output y(t) by using the Bode plot instead.

−1
10
Magnitude

−2
10

−3
10
−3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3
10 10 10 10 10 10 10

90

45
Phase

−45

−90
−3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3
10 10 10 10 10 10 10
Frequency [rad/s]

Figure 3.1 The Bode plot in assignment 3.1.

3.2 We analyze the two systems in Figure 3.2; the sea water in Öresund
and the water in a small garden pool. The input signal to the systems
is the air temperature and the output is the water temperature.

a. Figure 3.2 shows two Bode diagrams. Which diagram correpsonds

to which system?

b. We assume that the air temperature has sinusoidal variations with

a period time T = 1 year. The greatest temperature in the summer is
19○ C and the lowest temperature in the winter is −5○ C. What is the
difference between the greatest and lowest sea water temperature
over the year? Use the Bode diagram.

14
 Chapter 3. Frequency Analysis

Figure 3.2

c. During a summer day we assume that the air temperature has si-
nusoidal variations with a period time T = 1 day. The greatest
temperature of the day (at 13.00) is 27○ C, and the lowest tempera-
ture (at 01.00) is 14○ C. At what time during the day is the water in
the garden pool the warmest?

1
10

0
10
p G (iω )p

−1
10

−2
10

−3
10
0
arg( G (iω ))

−45

−90
−4 −3 −2 −1 0 1
10 10 10 10 10 10
ω (rad/h)

Figure 3.3 Bode diagram in problem 3.2.

15
Chapter 3. Frequency Analysis

3.3 Assume that the oscillating mass in assignment 1.3 has m = 0.1 kg,
c = 0.05 Ns/cm and k = 0.1 N/cm. The transfer function is then
given by
10
G (s) = 2
s + 0.5s + 1
a. Let the mass be subject to the force f = sin ω t, −∞ < t < ∞.
Calculate the output for ω = 0.2, 1 and 30 rad/s.

b. Instead, use the Bode plot of the system in Figure 3.4 to determine
the output for ω = 0.2, 1 and 30 rad/s.

2
10
1
10
Magnitude

0
10
−1
10
−2
10
−3
10
−2 −1 0 1 2
10 10 10 10 10

−45
Phase

−90

−135

−180
−2 −1 0 1 2
10 10 10 10 10
Frequency [rad/s]

Figure 3.4 The Bode plot of the oscillating mass in assignment 3.3.

3.4 Draw the Bode plots corresponding to the following transfer func-
tions

a. 3
G (s) =
1 + s/10

b. 10
G (s) =
(1 + 10s)(1 + s)
c. e−s
G (s) =
1+s
d. 1+s
G (s) =
s(1 + s/10)

e. 2(1 + 5s)
G (s) =
s(1 + 0.2s + 0.25s2 )

16
 Chapter 3. Frequency Analysis

3.5 Exploit the results from the previous assignment in order to draw
the Nyquist curves of

a. 3
G (s) =
1 + s/10

b. 10
G (s) =
(1 + 10s)(1 + s)

c. e−s
G (s) =
1+s

3.6 The Bode plot below was obtained by means of frequency response
experiments, in order to analyze the dynamics of a stable system.
What is the transfer function of the system?
0
10

−1
10
Magnitude

−2
10

−3
10

−4
10
−2 −1 0 1 2 3 4
10 10 10 10 10 10 10

−30
Phase

−60

−90
−2 −1 0 1 2 3 4
10 10 10 10 10 10 10
Frequency [rad/s]

3.7 Measurements resulting in the Bode plot below have been conducted
in order to analyze the dynamics of an unknown system. Use the
Bode plot to determine the transfer function of the system. Assume
that the system is stable and lacks complex poles and zeros.

17
Chapter 3. Frequency Analysis

1
10

0
Magnitude 10

−1
10

−2
10

−3
10
−1 0 1 2 3
10 10 10 10 10

90

0
Phase

−90

−180

−270
−1 0 1 2 3
10 10 10 10 10
Frequency [rad/s]

18
4. Feedback Systems

4.1 Assume that the air temperature y inside an oven is described by

the differential equation

ẏ(t) + 0.01y(t) = 0.01u(t)

where u is the temperature of the heating element.

a. Let u be the input and y the output and determine the transfer
function G P (s) of the oven.

b. The oven is to be controlled by a P controller, G R (s) = K , according

to the block diagram below. Write down the transfer function of the
closed loop system.

r e u y
Σ GR GP

−1

c. Choose K such that the closed loop system obtains the characteristic
polynomial
s + 0.1

4.2 The below figure shows a block diagram of a hydraulic servo system
in an automated lathe.
f
r e u y
Σ GR Σ GP

−1

The measurement signal y(t) represents the position of the tool

head. The reference tool position is r(t), and the shear force is de-
noted f (t). G R is the transfer function of the position sensor and sig-
nal amplifier, while G P represents the dynamics of the tool mount
and hydraulic piston

1
G P (s) =
ms2 + ds
where m is the mass of the piston and tool mount, and d is the
viscous damping of the tool mount. In the assignment it is assumed
that r(t) = 0.

a. How large does the deviation e(t) = r(t)− y(t) between the reference-
and measured tool head position become in stationarity if the shear
force f (t) is a unit step? The controller is assumed to have a constant
gain G R (s) = K .

19
Chapter 4. Feedback Systems

b. How is this error changed if the amplifier is replaced by a PI con-

troller with transfer function G R (s) = K 1 + K 2 /s?

4.3 A process is controlled by a P controller according to the figure below.

n
r u y
Σ GR GP Σ

−1

a. Measurements of the process output indicate a disturbance n. Cal-

culate the transfer functions from n to y and n to u.

b. Let G P (s) = s+1 1 and assume that the disturbance consists of a

sinusoid n(t) = A sin ω t. What will u and y become, after the decay
of transients?
c. Assume that K = 1 and A = 1 in the previous sub-assignment.
Calculate the amplitude of oscillation in u and y for the cases ω = 0.1
and 10 rad/s, respectively.

4.4 The below figure shows a block diagram of a gyro stabilized plat-
form. It is controlled by an motor which exerts a momentum on the
platform. The angular position of the platform is sensed by a gyro-
scope, which outputs a signal proportional to the platform’s devia-
tion from the reference value. The measurement signal is amplified
by an amplifier with transfer function G R .
M
θ ref 1 θ
Σ G R (s) K Σ Js2

−1

It is desired that step changes in the reference θ ref or the disturbance

momentum M on the platform do not result in persisting angular
errors. Give the form of the transfer function G R , which guarantees
that the above criteria hold. Hint: Postulate G R (s) = Q(s)/ P(s)

4.5 When heating a thermal bath, one can assume that the tempera-
ture increases linearly with 1○ C/s. The temperature is measured by
means of a thermocouple with transfer function
1
G (s) =
1 + sT
with time constant T = 10 s.
After some initial oscillations, a stationary state, in the sense that
the temperature measurement increases with constant rate, is reached.
At a time instant, the temperature measurement reads 102.6○ C. Cal-
culate the actual temperature of the bath.

20
 Chapter 4. Feedback Systems

4.6 Consider the system G0 (s) with the following asymptotic gain curve.
Assume that the system lacks delays and right half plane zeros.

log G0

incline: −2

G0 =1
incline: −1

ω =1 ω =5 log ω

Further assume that the system is subject to negative feedback and

that the closed loop system is stable. Which of the following inputs
can be tracked by the closed loop system, without a stationary error?
Assume r(t) = 0 for t < 0, and that the constants a, b and c ,= 0.

a. r(t) = a

b. r(t) = bt

c. r(t) = ct2

d. r(t) = a + bt

e. r(t) = sin(t)

4.7 In a simple control circuit, the process and controller are given by
1
G P (s) = and G R (s) = 6.5, respectively.
(s + 1)3
a. Determine the sensitivity function S(s).
The gain plot of the sensitivity function is given below.

b. How much are constant load disturbances damped by the control

circuit (in closed loop, as compared to open loop)?

c. At which angular frequency does the control circuit exhibit the largest
sensitivity towards disturbances and by how much are disturbances
amplified at most?
1
10
Magnitude

0
10

−1
10

−1 0 1
10 10 10

21
Chapter 4. Feedback Systems

4.8 The below figure shows the gain curves of the sensitivity function
S and complementary sensitivity function T for a normal control
circuit.

1
10
0
10
Magnitude

−1
10
−2
10
−3
10
−4
10
−2 −1 0 1
10 10 10 10
Frequency [rad/s]
1
10
Magnitude

0
10

−1
10

−2
10
−2 −1 0 1
10 10 10 10
Frequency [rad/s]

a. Determine which curve corresponds to the sensitivity function and

complementary sensitivity function, respectively.

b. Give the frequency range where disturbances are amplified by the

feedback loop, and the frequency range where they are damped by
the feedback loop. What is the maximum gain of disturbance ampli-
fication?

c. Give the frequency ranges where the output exhibits good tracking
of the reference signal.

d. What is the minimal distance between the Nyquist curve of the open
loop system and the point −1 in the complex plane? What does this
say about the gain margin?

4.9 In a simple control loop, the open loop transfer function is given by

K
Go (s) = G R (s) G P (s) =
s(s + 2)

Draw the root locus of the characteristic equation of the closed loop
system, with respect to the gain parameter K .

4.10 A simple control loop has the open loop transfer function

K (s + 10)(s + 11)
Go (s) = G R (s) G P (s) =
s(s + 1)(s + 2)

22
 Chapter 4. Feedback Systems

a. Which values of K yield a stable closed loop system?

b. Sketch the characteristics of the root locus.

4.11 The figure below shows the block diagram of a printer.

a. Which values of the gain K yield an asymptotically stable system?

b. The goal is to track a reference which increases linearly with rate

0.1 V/s, and guarantee a stationary error of less than 5 mV. Can
this be achieved by adequate tuning of the gain K ?

r y
K 1
Σ
s+2 s(s + 1)

−1

4.12 Consider the Nyquist curves in Figure 4.1. Assume that the corre-
sponding systems are controlled by the P controller

u = K (r − y)

In all cases the open loop systems lack poles in the right half plane.
Which values of K yield a stable closed loop system?

4.13 The transfer function of a process is given by

1
G p (s) =
(s + 1)3

The loop is closed through proportional feedback

u = K (r − y)

Use the Nyquist criterion to find the critical value of the gain K (i.e.
the value for which the system transits from stability to instability).

4.14 The Nyquist curve of a system is given in Figure 4.2. The system is
stable, i.e. lacks poles in the right half plane.
Assume that the system is subject to proportional feedback

u = K (r − y)

Which values of the gain K result in a stable closed loop system?

23
Chapter 4. Feedback Systems

Figure 4.1 Nyquist curves in assignment 4.12.

Figure 4.2 Nyquist curve of the system in assignment 4.14.

24
 Chapter 4. Feedback Systems

4.15 In order to obtain constant product quality in a cement oven, it is

crucial that the burn zone temperature is held constant. This is
achieved by measuring the burn zone temperature and controlling
the fuel flow with a proportional controller. A block diagram of the
system is shown below.

reference fuel burner zone

temperature flow temperature

Σ GR GP

-1

Find the maximal value of the controller gain K , such that the closed
loop system remains stable? The transfer function from fuel flow to
burn zone temperature is given by

e−9s
G P (s) =
(1 + 20s)2

4.16 In a distillation column, the transfer function from supplied energy

to liquid phase concentration of a volatile component is

e−sL
G P (s) =
1 + 10s

where time is measured in minutes. The process is controlled by a

PI controller with transfer function
 
1
G R (s) = 10 1 +
2s

What is the maximal permitted transportation delay L, yielding at

least a 10○ phase margin?

4.17 A process with transfer function G P (s) is subject to feedback accord-

ing to Figure 4.3. All poles of G P (s) lie in the left half plane and
the Nyquist curve of G P is shown in Figure 4.4. It is assumed that
arg G P (iω ) is decreasing and that G P (s) has more poles than zeros.
Further, it holds that the closed loop system is stable for K = 1.
Which of the below alternatives are true? Motivate!

a. The gain margin Am < 2 for K = 1.

b. The phase margin ϕ m < 45○ for K = 1.

c. The phase margin decreases with decreasing gain K .

d. For K = 2 the closed loop system becomes unstable.

25
Chapter 4. Feedback Systems

r y
Σ K G P (s)

−1

Figure 4.3 The closed loop system in assignment 4.17.

Figure 4.4 Nyquist curve of the process G P (s) in assignment 4.17.

4.18 The Bode plot of the open loop transfer function, Go = G R G P , is

shown in Figure 4.5. Assume that the system is subject to negative
feedback.

a. How much can the the gain of the controller or process be increased
without making the closed loop system unstable?

b. How much additional negative phase shift can be introduced at the

cross-over frequency without making the closed loop system unsta-
ble?

4.19 A Bode plot of the open loop transfer function of the controlled lower
tank in the double tank process is shown in Figure 4.6. What is the
delay margin of the system?

26
 Chapter 4. Feedback Systems

1
10

Magnitude
0
10

−1
10
−1 0
10 10

−90

−135
Phase

−180

−225

−270
−1 0
10 10
Frequency [rad/s]

Figure 4.5 Bode plot of the open loop system in Figure 4.18.

2
10

1
10
Magnitude

0
10

−1
10

−2
10
−2 −1 0
10 10 10

−90

−135
Phase

−180

−225

−270
−2 −1 0
10 10 10
Frequency [rad/s]

Figure 4.6 Bode plot of the open loop transfer function of the controlled lower
tank in the double tank process in problem 4.19.

27
5. State Feedback and Kalman Filtering

5.1 A linear system is described by the matrices

   
 −1 1   β  
A=
 
  
B =  C = 0 γ  D=0
0 −2 1

a. For which values of β is the system controllable?

b. For which values of γ is the system observable?

5.2 A linear system is described by the matrices

   
 −2 1 2   4   

 
 
 

A=

 1 0 0 
 B=

 −2 

 C =  −1 0 −1 
   
0 1 0 1

Find the set of controllable states.

5.3 Consider the system

   
dx  −2 −1  1
= x+
   u
dt 1 0 2
 
y = 1 1 x

Is it observable? If not, find the set of unobservable states.

5.4 Consider the system

     
dx  −1 0  1 1
=
 x+
    u, x(0) = 
  
dt 0 −2 0 1

Which of the states ( 3 0.5 )T , ( 5 5 )T , ( 0 0 )T , ( 10 0.1 )T or

( 1 −0.5 )T can be reached in finite time?

5.5 Consider the following system with two inputs

    
dx  −2 3  1 8   u1 
= x+
  
  
dt 1 −4 2 6 u2
 
y = 3 7 x

a. Is it controllable?

b. Assume that we only have authority over u1 . Is the system control-

lable in this case?

c. Assume that the two inputs are coupled, so that u1 + 2u2 = 0. Is the
system controllable in this case?

28
 Chapter 5. State Feedback and Kalman Filtering

5.6 A dynamic system is described by the state space model below

   
 −2 2  5
ẋ = 
 x+
   u
0 −3 0
 
y = 1 0 x

a. Is the system controllable? Which states can be reached in finite

time from the initial state x(0) = ( 0 0 )T ?

b. Calculate the transfer function of the system.

c. Can the same input-output relation be described with fewer states?

Write down such a representation, if possible.

5.7 A linear dynamical system with transfer function G (s) is given. The
system is controllable. Which of the following statements are un-
questionably true?

a. The poles of the closed loop system’s transfer function can be arbi-
trarily placed by means of feedback from all states.

b. The zeros of the closed loop system’s transfer function can be arbi-
trarily placed by means of feedback from all states.

c. If the state variables are not available for measurements, they can
always be estimated by diffrentiating the system output.

d. If the state vector is estimated by a Kalman filter

x̂˙ = A x̂ + Bu + K ( y − C x̂)

one can obtain an arbitrarily fast convergence of the estimate x̂

towards the actual state vector x, by choice of the matrix K .

5.8 Determine a control law u = lr r − Lx for the system

   
dx  − 1 0  1
= x+
   u
dt 0 −2 2
 
y = 1 1 x

such that the poles of the closed loop system are placed in −4 and
the stationary gain is 1.

5.9 The position of a hard drive head is described by the state space
model    
dx  −0.5 0  3
= x+
   u
dt 1 0 0
 
y = 0 1 x

29
Chapter 5. State Feedback and Kalman Filtering

a. Determine a state feedback

u = − Lx + lr r
which places the poles of the closed loop system in s = −4 ± 4i and
results in static gain 1 from reference to output.
b. Determine a Kalman filter
d x̂
= A x̂ + Bu + K ( y − C x̂)
dt
for the system. Briefly motivate necessary design choices.

5.10 Figure 5.1 shows the lunar lander LEM of the Apollo project. We
will study a possible system for controlling its horizontal movement
above the moon surface.

θ
steer rockets

direction of motion

Figure 5.1 The lunar lander in assignment 5.10.

Assume that the lander floats some distance above the moon surface
by means of the rocket engine. If the angle of attack (the angle of
the craft in relation to the normal of the moon surface) is nonzero, a
horizontal force component appears, yielding an acceleration along
the moon surface.
Study the block diagram in Figure 5.2 showing the relation between
the control signal u of the rocket engine, the angle of attack, θ , and
the position z. The craft obeys Newton’s law of motion in both the θ

uref
.. . .. .
u θ θ θ z z z
Σ K1 1/s 1/s K2 1/s 1/s

feedback m1 m2 m3

Figure 5.2 Block diagram of the lander dynamics along the z-axis.

and z directions. The transfer function from the astronaut’s control

signal ure f to the position z is
k1 k2
G z (s) =
s4

30
 Chapter 5. State Feedback and Kalman Filtering

and it is practically impossible to manually maneuver the craft. To

facilitate the astronaut’s maneuvering task, we alter the craft dy-
namics by introducing internal feedback loops. This means that the
astronaut’s control lever is not directly connected to the motors, but
works as a joystick that decides the desired velocity of the craft.
A controller should then convert the movement of the control lever
to a control signal to the steer rockets. We are in possession the
following measurement signals:

• The time derivative of the attack angle, θ˙, measured by a rate

gyro.
• The acceleration in the z direction, z̈, measured by accelerom-
eters mounted on a gyro-stabilized platform.
• The speed in the z direction, ż, measured by Doppler radar.

a. Introduce the states

x1 = θ˙
x2 = z̈
x3 = ż

and write the system on state-space form. Let the velocity in the z
direction be the output signal of the system.

b. Determine a feedback controller which utilizes the three measure-

ments, and results in a closed-loop system with three poles in s =
−0.5, and lets the control signal of the astronaut be the speed ref-
erence in the z direction.

5.11 A conventional state feedback law does note guarantee integral ac-
tion. The following procedure is a way of introducing integral action.
Let the nominal system be

dx
= Ax + Bu
dt
y = Cx

Augment the state vector with an extra component

Z t Z t
x n+1 = e(s) ds = (r(s) − y(s)) ds

The obtained system is described by

     
dx e  A 0  B 0
=
  xe + 
   u + 
  r
dt −C 0 0 1

where  
 x 
xe = 
 

x n+1

31
Chapter 5. State Feedback and Kalman Filtering

A state feedback law for this system results in a control law of the
form
u = − Lx − ln+1 xn+1 = − L e x e
This controller, which steers y towards r, obviously has integral ac-
tion. Use this methodology in order to determine a state feedback
controller with integral action for the system
   
dx  0 1 0
= x+
   u
dt 0 0 1
 
y = 1 0x

such that the closed loop system obtains the characteristic polyno-
mial  
(s + α ) s2 + 2ζ ω s + ω 2 = 0

5.12 Consider the system

   
dx  −2 1  1
= x+
   u
dt 1 −2 2
 
y = 0 1 x

One wishes to estimate the state variables by means of the model

d x̂
= A x̂ + Bu + K ( y − C x̂)
dt

Determine K such that the poles of the Kalman filter are placed in
s = −4.

5.13 Consider the dynamical system

   
dx  − 4 −3  1
= x+
   u
dt 1 0 0
 
y = 1 3 x

One desires a closed loop system with all poles in −4.

a. Assign feedback gains to all states such that the closed loop system
obtains the desired feature.

b. Assume that only the output y is available for measurement. In

order to use state feedback, the state x must be first be estimated by
means of e.g. a Kalman filter, yielding the estimate x̂. Subsequently,
the control law u = − L x̂ can be applied.
Is it possible to determine a Kalman filter for which the estimation
error decreases according to the characteristic polynomial (s + 6)2 ?

32
 Chapter 5. State Feedback and Kalman Filtering

c. Is it possible to determine a Kalman filter for which the estimation

error decreases according to the characteristic polynomial (s + 3)2 ?
Briefly comment the obtained results.

5.14 Consider the system

   
 0 −2  0
ẋ = 
 x+
   u
2 0 1
 
y = 1 0 x

a. Design a state feedback u = −{1 x1 − {2 x2 which yields a closed loop

system √
s2 + 2 2s + 4 = 0
Also state a Kalman filter
     
0 −2  0  k1 
˙x̂ = 

  
 x̂ +   u + 
     ( y − x̂1 )
2 0 1 k2

which has the characteristic equation s2 + 6s + 9 = 0.

b. Give the output feedback (state space) equations which are obtained
when the Kalman filter is combined with the state feedback.

c. Introduce the state variable x and x̃ = x − x̂. Write down the char-
acteristic equation of the closed loop system.

d. Consider the controller as a system with input y and output u. Give

the transfer function of this system.

5.15 Consider a process consisting of a ball, rolling on a beam, according

to Figure 5.3.

Figure 5.3 The beam process in assignment 5.15.

The process can be described by the equation

d2 x
= kϕ
dt2

where x is the position of the ball and ϕ is the angle of inclination

of the beam.

33
Chapter 5. State Feedback and Kalman Filtering

With k = 1 the following state space model is obtained

   
dx  0 1 0
= x+
   u
dt 0 0 1
 
y = 1 0x

where u is the inclination of the beam, x1 is the position of the

ball and x2 its speed. However, it is difficult to calibrate the system
so that zero input yields zero output. In order to model this, we
introduce an unknown zero input error in the control signal. The
model becomes
   
dx  0 1 0
= x+
    ( u + a)
dt 0 0 1

We can try to eliminate the zero input error a by means of a Kalman

filter in the following way: Introduce a as an extra state variable x3 .
Since a is constant we have

dx3
=0
dt

and the augmented system can be described by the following state

space model    
 0 1 0  0
dx   
 
 

= 0 0 1  x+  1u
dt 
 
  
 
0 0 0 0
 
y = 1 0 0 x

Assess if the idea of auto-calibration is possible to test if the ex-

tended system is observable. Design a Kalman filter with the char-
acteristic equation

(s + α )(s2 + 2ζ ω s + ω 2 ) = 0

Give the equations of the Kalman filter and try to interpret their
meaning intuitively.

34
6. Design methods

6.1 A PID controller has the transfer function

 
1
G R (s) = K 1 + + Td s
Ti s

a. Determine the gain and phase shift of the controller at an arbitrary

frequency ω .

b. At which frequency does the controller have its minimal gain? What
is the gain and phase shift for this frequency?

6.2 The process

1
G (s) =
(s + 1)3
is controlled by a PID controller with K = 2, Ti = 2 and Td = 0.5.
In order to investigate the effect of changing the PID parameters,
we will change K , TI and Td by a certain factor, one at a time.
We will observe how this affects both the step response (from refer-
ence and load disturbance) and the Bode plot of the controlled open
loop system. The reference is a unit step at t = 0 whereas the load
disturbance is a negative unit step.

a. We start by studying what happens when the parameters are quadru-

pled, one at a time. Figure 6.1 shows the nominal case ( K , Ti , Td ) =
(2, 2, 0.5) (solid curves) together with the cases (8, 2, 0.5), (2, 8, 0.5)
and (2, 2, 2). Pair the three Bode plots and the step responses of
Figure 6.1 with the three cases.

b. We now study what happens when each parameter is decreased by

a factor 2. The nominal case ( K , Ti , Td ) = (2, 2, 0.5) (solid curves) is
shown in Figure 6.2 together with the cases (1, 2, 0.5), (2, 1, 0.5) and
(2, 2, 0.25). Pair the three Bode plots and the three step responses
in Figure 6.2 with these three cases.

6.3 The steer dynamics of a ship are approximately described by

dr
J + Dr = Cδ
dt

where r is the yaw rate [rad/s] and δ is the rudder angle [rad].
Further, J [kgm2 ] is the momentum of inertia wrt the yaw axis of
the boat, D [Nms] is the damping constant and C [Nm/rad] is a
constant describing the rudder efficiency. Let the rudder angle δ be
the control signal. Give a PI controller for control of the yaw rate,
such that the closed loop system obtains the characteristic equation

s2 + 2ζ ω s + ω 2 = 0

35
Chapter 6. Design methods

2
10
1

Magnitude
10
0
10
−1
10
−2
10
−3
10
−2 −1 0 1 2
10 10 10 10 10

0
−45
Phase

−90
−135
−180
−225
−2 −1 0 1 2
10 10 10 10 10
Frequency [rad/s]
1.5

1
y

0.5

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
t [s]

Figure 6.1 Bode plot and step response for the case when the PID parameters
in sub-assignment 6.2b have been multiplied by four. The solid curves correspond
to the nominal case.

2
10
1
Magnitude

10
0
10
−1
10
−2
10
−3
10
−2 −1 0 1 2
10 10 10 10 10

0
−45
Phase

−90
−135
−180
−225
−2 −1 0 1 2
10 10 10 10 10
Frequency [rad/s]
1.5

1
y

0.5

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
t [s]

Figure 6.2 Bode plot and step response for the case when the PID parameters
in sub-assignment 6.2b have been divided by two. The solid curves correspond to
the nominal case.

36
 Chapter 6. Design methods

6.4 An electric motor can approximately be described by the differential

equation
d2θ dθ
J 2 +D = ki I
dt dt
where J is the moment of inertia, D is a damping constant and ki is
the current constant of the motor. Further, θ denotes the turning an-
gle and I the current through the motor. Let θ be the measurement
signal and I the control signal. Determine the parameters of a PID
controller such that the closed loop system obtains the characteristic
equation
(s + a)(s2 + 2ζ ω s + ω 2 ) = 0
Discuss how the parameters of the controller depend on the desired
specifications on a, ζ and ω .

6.5 a. Draw the Bode plot of a PI controller (let K = 1 and Ti = 1).

b. Draw the Bode plot of a PD controller (let K = 1 and Td = 15).

6.6 A cement oven consists of a long, inclined, rotating cylinder. Sed-

iment is supplied into its upper end and clinkers emerge from its
lower end. The cylinder is heated from beneath by an oil burner. It
is essential that the combustion zone temperature is kept constant,
in order to obtain an even product quality. This is achieved by mea-
suring the combustion zone temperature and controlling the fuel
flow with a PI controller. A block diagram of the system is shown in
Figure 6.3.

reference fuel burner zone

temperature flowg temperature

Σ GR GP

-1

Figure 6.3 Block diagram of a cement oven with temperature controller.

The transfer function from fuel flow to combustion zone temperature

is given by
e−9s
G P (s) =
(1 + 20s)2
and the transfer function of the controller is

1
G R (s) = K (1 + )
sTi

Use Ziegler-Nichol’s frequency method to determine the parameters

of the controller.

37
Chapter 6. Design methods

6.7 Martin has heard that the optimal effect from training is obtained
when the pulse is 160 beats per minute (bpm). By feeding back the
signal from his heart rate monitor to a treadmill, he wants to control
the speed such that the pulse is exactly at the optimal value.

y PI

a. Suppose the dynamics in Martins body can approximately be de-

scribed by the linear system

1 1
ẋ = − x+ u
30 15 (6.1)
y= x

where u is the speed of the treadmill, and x is the pulse in bpm.

Design a PI controller such that both closed loop system poles are
in −0.1.

b. The model in (6.1) is not available to Martin. Thus, he decides to

tune his PI controller using Ziegler-Nichols frequency method. The
Bode diagram for a more accurate model is shown in Figure 6.4.
What controller parameters does Martin obtain? Use the Bode dia-
gram.

Bode Diagram
1
10
Magnitude (abs)

0
10

−1
10

−2
10 0
−45
−90
−135
Phase (deg)

−180
−225
−270
−315
−360
−405
−450
−2 −1 0
10 10 10
Frequency (rad/sec)

Figure 6.4 Bodediagram i uppgift 6.7

38
 Chapter 6. Design methods

6.8 Use Ziegler-Nichol’s step response and frequency method, to deter-

mine the parameters of a PID controller for a system with the step
response and Nyquist curve given in Figure 6.5. Also, determine a
PI and a PID controller using the Lambda method with λ = T.

Step Response
1.2

0.8
Amplitude

0.6

0.4

0.2

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
Time [s]
Nyquist Curve

ω =1
0
Im

−0.5

−1

−1 −0.5 0 0.5 1
Re

Figure 6.5 Step response and Nyquist curve of the system in assignment 6.8.

6.9 Consider a system with the transfer function

1 −s
G (s) = e
s+1

a. Draw the step response of the system and use Ziegler-Nichol’s step
response method to determine the parameters of a PID controller.
Write down the values of the obtained controller parameters K , Ti
and Td .

39
Chapter 6. Design methods

b. Use Ziegler-Nichol’s frequency method to determine the parameters

of a PID controller.

c. Use the Lambda method with λ = T to determine the parameters

of a PID controller.

6.10 A process is to be controlled by a PID controller obtained through

Ziegler-Nichol’s methods.

a. Use the step response method for the process with the solid step
response curve in Figure 6.6.
1.2

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

−0.2
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40

Figure 6.6

b. The Nyquist curve of the same system is shown in Figure 6.7. The
point marked ’o’ corresponds to the frequency ω = 0.429 rad/s. Apply
the frequency method to the process.
0.4

0.2

0 ο

−0.2

−0.4

−0.6

−0.8

−1
−0.8 −0.6 −0.4 −0.2 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1

Figure 6.7

40
 Chapter 6. Design methods

c. Unfortunately the step response method results in an unstable closed

loop system. The frequency method yields a stable but poorly damped
system. The reason why the step response method works so badly,
is that it tries to approximate the process with a delayed first order
system (the dashed step response above). By exploiting the Nyquist
curve, one can obtain PID parameters yielding the solid curve step
response in Figure 6.8. The dashed and dotted curves were obtained
through the step response method.
How do you think K has changed in the third method, as compared
to the Ziegler-Nichol’s methods (increase or decrease)?
2.5

1.5

0.5

−0.5
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

Figure 6.8

6.11 A second order system has the Bode plot shown in Figure 6.9. We
would like to connect a link G2 in series with the system, in order
to increase the speed of the closed loop system. The cross-over fre-
quency, ω c , (the angle for which p G p = 1) is used as a measure of the
system’s speed. Which of the following G2 -candidates yield a faster
system?

A G2 = K , K > 1
1
B G2 =
s+1
s+1
C G2 =
s+2
D G2 = e−sT , T > 0

6.12 A system has the transfer function

1
G P (s) =
s(s + 1)(s + 2)

The system is part of a feedback loop together with a proportional

controller with gain K = 1. The control error of the resulting closed

41
Chapter 6. Design methods

Figure 6.9 Bode plot of the system in assignment 6.11.

loop system exhibits the following behavior: e(t) → 0, t → ∞ when

the input is a step and e(t) → 2, t → ∞ when the input is a ramp.
Design a compensation link G k (s) which together with the propor-
tional controller decreases the ramp error to a value less than 0.2.
Also, the phase margin must not decrease by more than 6○ .

6.13 Consider a system with the following transfer function

1.1
G P (s) =
s(s + 1)

A proportional controller with gain K = 1 is used to close the loop.

However, the closed loop system becomes too slow. Design a com-
pensation link, G k (s), that roughly doubles the speed of the closed
loop system without any change in robustness, i.e. the crossover fre-
quency ω c should be doubled and the phase margin ϕ m should not
decrease.

6.14 Consider the system

1
G1 (s) =
s(s + 1)(s + 2)

If controlled by a proportional controller with gain K = 1, the sta-

tionary error of the closed loop system is e = 0 for a step input
(r = 1, t > 0) and e = 2 for a ramp input (r = t, t > 0). One wants

42
 Chapter 6. Design methods

to increase the speed of the system by a factor 3, without compro-

mising its phase margin or the ability to eliminate stationary errors.
Device a compensation link G k (s) that fulfils the above criteria.

6.15 A servo system has the open loop transfer function

2.0
Go (s) =
s(s + 0.5)(s + 3)
The system is subject to simple negative feedback and has a step re-
sponse according to Figure 6.10. As seen from the figure, the system
is poorly damped and has a significant overshoot. The speed how-
ever, is satisfactory. The stationary error of the closed loop system
with a ramp input is e1 = 0.75.
y(t)

Figure 6.10 Step response of the closed loop servo system in assignment 6.15.

Design a compensation link that increases the phase margin to φ m =

50○ without affecting the speed of the system. (φ m = 50○ yields a
relative damping ζ ( 0.5 which corresponds to an overshoot M (
17%.) The stationary ramp error of the compensated system must
not be greater than e1 = 1.5.

6.16 Consider a system with the open loop transfer function

1.5
G1 (s) =
s(s2 + 2s + 2)
The system is subject to simple negative feedback. The settling time
(5%) is Ts = 8.0 s, the overshoot is Mo = 27%, and the stationary
ramp error (r(t) = t) is e1 = 1.33.
Device a phase lag compensation link
s+a
G k (s) = K
s + a/ M
such that the stationary ramp error of the closed loop system is de-
creased to e1 = 0.1, while speed and damping (stability) are virtually
sustained.

43
7. Controller Structures

7.1 Figure 7.1 shows a block diagram of the temperature control system
in a house. The reference temperature (the thermostat set point) is
given by r, the output y is the indoor temperature and the distur-
bance d is due to the outdoor temperature. The transfer function
G1 (s) represents the dynamics of the heating system and G2 (s) rep-
resents the dynamics of the air inside the house. The controller G R
is a P controller with gain K = 1.
Assume that the influence d of the outdoor temperature can be ex-
actly measured. Determine a feedforward link H, such that the in-
door temperature becomes independent of the outdoor temperature.
What is required in order to obtain a good result from the feedfor-
ward?

d
H

r u y
Σ GR Σ G1 Σ G2

−1

Figure 7.1 Block diagram of the temperature control system in a house.

7.2 Figure 7.2 shows a block diagram of a level control system for a
tank. The inflow x(t) of the tank is determined by the valve position
and the outflow v(t) is governed by a pump. The cross section of
the tank is A = 1 m2 . The assignment is to control the system so
that the level h in the tank is held approximately constant despite
variations in the flow v. This is done by adjusting the valve at the
outflow from the buffer tank.

feedforward
v
G
F

−1

h P controller valve tank h

ref x
Σ K Σ G Σ G
V T

−1

Figure 7.2 Block diagram of the level control system in assignment 7.2.

44
 Chapter 7. Controller Structures

The transfer function of the valve from position to flow is

1
Gv (s) =
1 + 0.5s

The tank dynamics can be determined through a simple mass bal-

ance.

a. Assume that G F = 0, i.e. that we don’t have any feedforward. Design

a P controller such that the closed loop system obtains the character-
istic polynomial (s +ω )2 . How large does ω become? What stationary
level error is obtained after a 0.1 step in v(t)?

b. Design a PI controller which eliminates the stationary control er-

ror otherwise caused by load disturbances. Determine the controller
parameters so that the closed loop system obtains the characteristic
polynomial (s + ω )3 . How large does ω become?

c. To further decrease the influence of load disturbances, we introduce

feedforward based on measurements of v(t). Design a feedforward
controller G F that eliminates the influence of outflow variations by
making corrections to x(t).
Comment. As all variables describe deviations from the operation point,
the reference value for the level h can be set to zero.

7.3 Consider the system in Figure 7.3. The transfer function of the pro-
cess is given by
1
G P (s) =
s+3
and G R (s) is a PI controller with transfer function

1
G R (s) = K (1 + )
STi

K f is a constant feedforward from the reference signal r.

Kf

r u y
Σ G R (s) Σ G P (s)

−1

Figure 7.3 Block diagram showing assignment 7.3.

a. Let K f = 0 and determine K and Ti such that the poles of the

closed loop system are placed in −2 ± 2i, which is assessed to supress
disturbances well.

45
Chapter 7. Controller Structures

b. Discuss the influence of the feedforward on the system’s response

to reference changes.
The closed loop transfer function of the system has one zero. Elimi-
nate it by choosing an appropriate constant feedforward K f .

7.4 The system in assignment 7.3 can be described by an equivalent

block diagram, according to Figure 7.4. Write down the transfer func-

y y
r
H Σ G
ff

H
fb

Figure 7.4 Equivalent block diagram in assignment 7.3.

tions Hff (s) and Hfb (s). Discuss the result and consider the effect of
the feedforward when the controller contains a D term.

7.5 The block diagram in Figure 7.5 shows cascade control of a tank. The
v1 v2

e y
Σ
1
yr G R2 Σ G R1 Σ G1 Σ G2 y

−1

−1

Figure 7.5 The cascade in assignment 7.5.

transfer function G1 describes a valve whereas the transfer function

G2 describes the dynamics of the tank. The objective is to control
the tank level y. This is done by controlling the valve G1 in an inner
control loop, whereas y is controlled by an outer control loop. Both
the control loops are cascaded so that the reference of the inner loop
is the output of the controller in the outer loop.
There are two disturbances in the system, namely the disturbance
flow v2 , which is added to the controlled flow y1 and pressure varia-
tions v1 in the flow before the valve. Discuss the choice of controller
(P or PI) in the inner and outer loop, respectively, with respect to
elimination of stationary control errors.

2
7.6 Consider Figure 7.5 and assume that G1 (s) = s+ 2 describes a valve
whereas G2 (s) = 1s describes a tank.

46
 Chapter 7. Controller Structures

a. Determine a P controller G R1 (s) = K 1 such that the inner control

loop becomes 5 times faster than the uncontrolled valve.
b. Design a PI controllerG R2 (s) = K 2 (1 + T1i s ) for the outer loop, which
gives closed loop poles a factor 10 closer to the origin than the pole
for the inner control loop. Approximate the inner loop by Ginner (s) (
Ginner (0).

7.7 In a certain type of steam boiler, a dome is used to separate the

steam from the water (see Figure 7.6). It is essential to keep the
dome level constant after load changes. The dome can be described
F(s)
−3 s − 0.01
10
s(s + 0.1)
Y(s)
Σ
M(s) −3
10
s

Figure 7.6 Block diagram of steam boiler with dome.

by the model

10−3 s − 0.01
Y (s) = M (s) + 10−3 F (s)
s s(s + 0.1)
where Y is the dome level [m], M is the feed water flow [kg/s] and
F is the steam flow [kg/s].
a. Assume a constant steam flow. Design a P controller, controlling the
feed water flow by measuring the dome level. Choose the controller
parameters such that the control error caused by a step in the dome
level goes down to 10 % of its initial value after 10 seconds.
b. Consider the closed loop system. Write down the stationary level
error Y caused by a step disturbance of 1 kg/s in the steam flow F.
c. Consider the initial system. Determine a feedforward link H (s) from
steam flow F (s) to feed water flow M (s), such that the level Y
becomes independent of changes in the steam flow.

7.8 Assume that a servo motor

1
G P (s) =
s(s + 1)
is controlled by the P controller G R (s) = 2. What is the delay margin
of the system?

7.9 Consider the same process and controller as in the previous assign-
ment. Now the process is controlled over a very slow network which
introduces a one second delay in the control loop. In order to deal
with this problem an Smith predictor is utilized, see Figure 7.7.

47
Chapter 7. Controller Structures

a. Assume that the model and the process are identical. What are the
transfer functions for the blocks (Controller, Process, Model, Model
with no delay) in our example?
b. The block diagram of the Smith predictor can be redrawn according
to Figure 7.8. What is the transfer function of the Smith predictor
(from e to u) in our example?
c. Use the approximation ex ( 1 + x in order to simplify the transfer
function of the controller. Compare the controller to compensation
links.
r u y
Σ controller process
−
y1 −
model Σ
y2
model with
no delay

Figure 7.7 Working principle of the Smith predictor.

Smith predictor

r e u y
Σ Σ GR GP

Ĝ P − Ĝ 0P

−1

Figure 7.8 Block diagram equivalent to Figure 7.7.

7.10 Figure 7.9 shows the result of a frequency analysis carried out on
the beam (a part of the ’ball on the beam’ process). One sees that
the process dynamics can be well approximated by an integrator, for
low frequencies. One also sees that for high frequencies, the phase
curve diverges in a way which resembles a delay. Consequently, it
would be possible to describe the process by
k −sL
G (s) = e
s
Use the Bode plot in order to determine approximate values of the
gain k and delay L.

48
 Chapter 7. Controller Structures

1
10

0
10
Magnitude

−1
10

−2
10

−3
10
0 1 2 3
10 10 10 10

−100
Phase

−200

−300

−400
0 1 2 3
10 10 10 10
Frequency [rad/s]

Figure 7.9 Measured Bode plot of the beam.

49
8. Design Examples

8.1 Depth Control of Submarine

Purpose
This assignment deals with depth control of a submarine from the
forties. Two control methods are tested – PD and state feedback.
The latter method was used in reality.

Background
Depth control of submarines can be achieved by means of varying the
rudder angle β according to Figure 8.1. The depth h is measured by

h
β

Figure 8.1 Depth control of the submarine in assignment 8.1.

means of a manometer. By manually generating a sinusoidal rudder

angle β (by means of a table and watch — don’t forget that this was
the end of the forties) one can use frequency analysis to estimate
the transfer function G (s) from β to h (for a constant speed v).
The resulting Bode plots for three different speeds are shown in
Figure 8.2.

Specifications
In this case no specifications were given except "Make it as good as
possible".

Problem Formulation
Assume that the speed is v = 3 knots. The problem lies in computing
a control law which gives a satisfactory settling of the depth h for
the given speed. This does not guarantee equally satisfactory results
at other speeds.
In an initial approach one wanted to control the depth h of the
submarine, solely based on measurements of h.

50
 Chapter 8. Design Examples

10 3

10 2

Magnitude
10 1

10 0

10 −1

10 −2
10 −3 10 −2 10 −1 10 0

−50

−100
Phase [deg]

−150

−200

−250

−300
10 −3 10 −2 10 −1 10 0
Frequency [rad/s]

Figure 8.2 Bode plot of the estimated transfer function G (s) from β [deg] to h
[m] in assignment 8.1 for the speeds v = 3 (solid curves), 5 (dashed curves) and 7
knots (dotted curves).

a. What is the maximal allowed gain K in order to achieve a stable

closed loop system with a P controller β = K (href − h). Use the
Bode plot in Figure 8.2?
b. One wants to obtain a cross-over frequency ω c = 0.03 rad/s, using
a PD controller Gr (s) = K (1 + TD s). How shall K and TD be chosen
in order to obtain a 60○ phase margin φ m ?
c. How is the stability of the closed loop system in (b) affected if the
speed is increased from 3 to 7 knots? Suggest different ways in which
speed variations can be taken into consideration.
For angular frequencies above 0.05 rad/s one can use the approxi-
mation 
k
 Gα β (s) = v

s2 (8.1)

 Ghα (s) = v
s
where Gα β (s) and Ghα (s) are the transfer functions from β to α and
from α to h, respectively (see Figure 8.3). The constant kv depends
on the speed v.

d. Determine kv by means of the Bode plot in Figure 8.2. (1 knot (

1.852 km/h = 1.852/3.6 ( 0.514 m/s.)

51
Chapter 8. Design Examples

β kv α h
v
2 s
s

Figure 8.3 Block diagram of a submarine model which is valid for ω > 0.05 rad/s.

e. Assume that the approximate model

kvv
Ghβ (s) =
s3

is under P control β = K (hre f − h). Determine which values of K

that yield an asymptotically stable system. Does this concur with
the results obtained in sub-assignment a?

One can improve the performance of the control system by utilizing

additional feedback form the trim angle α and its derivative dα /dt.
f. Introduce the states x1 = dα /dt, x2 = α and x3 = h together with
the input u = β . Use the control law u = ur − l1 x1 − l2 x2 − l3 x3 =
ur − Lx and determine L such that the characteristic equation of
the closed loop system becomes

(s + γ ω 0 )(s2 + 2ζ ω 0 s + ω 02 ) = 0

g. The reference href for the depth h is introduced according to

ur = L r href

How shall L r be chosen in order to obtain h = href in stationarity?

One decided to choose ζ = 0.5 and γ = 2 which was considered to

give an adequately damped step response. However, the choice of ω 0
requires some further thought. It should not be chosen too low, since
the approximate model (8.1) is only valid for ω > 0.05 rad/s. On the
other hand, choosing ω 0 too high would result in large rudder angles
caused by the large values of the coefficients l j , j = 1, 2, 3.
h. How large can ω 0 be chosen if a step disturbance in the manometer
signal corresponding to ∆ h = 0.1m should not give rise to larger
rudder angles than 5○ ?

In the actual case ω 0 = 0.1 rad/s was chosen. A semi-automatic

system was evaluated first. The signal u − ur − l1 x1 − l2 x2 − l3 x3 was
displayed to an operator, who manually tried to keep the signal zero
by means of the ordinary rudder servo. The control action was very
satisfactory. Settling times of 30-60 s were obtained throughout the
speed range. The complete automatic system was then evaluated on
the Swedish submarine ’Sjöborren’ (The Sea Urchin). The accuracy
during march in calm weather was ±0.05 m.

8.2

52
 Chapter 8. Design Examples

Control of Elastic Servo

Purpose
The aim of the assignment is to control the angular speed of a fly-
wheel which is connected to another flywheel by a weak axis. The
second flywheel is driven by a motor. Different control strategies are
evaluated and compared with respect to performance.

Background
Figure 8.4 shows a simplified model of an elastic servo. It could
also constitute a model of a weak robot arm or an elastic antenna
system mounted on a satellite. The turn angles of the flywheels

Figure 8.4 Model of the elastic servo in assignment 8.2.

are denoted ϕ 1 and ϕ 2 , respectively, whereas ω 1 = ϕ̇ 1 and ω 2 =

ϕ̇ 2 denote the corresponding angular speeds. The flywheels have
moments of inertia J1 and J2 , respectively. They are connected by an
axle with spring constant k f and damping constant d f . The system
is subject to bearing friction, which is represented by the damping
constants d1 and d2 . One of the flywheels is driven by a DC motor,
which is itself driven by a current-feedback amplifier. The motor
and amplifier dynamics are neglected. The momentum of the motor
is proportional to the input voltage u of the amplifier, according to

M = km ⋅ I = km ki u

where I is the current through the rotor coils. Momentum equilib-

rium about the flywheel yields the following equations
(
J1ω̇ 1 = − k f (ϕ 1 − ϕ 2 ) − d1ω 1 − d f (ω 1 − ω 2 ) + km ki u
J2ω̇ 2 = + k f (ϕ 1 − ϕ 2 ) − d2ω 2 + d f (ω 1 − ω 2 )

We introduce the state variables


x = ω1
 1


x2 = ω 2



x3 = ϕ 1 − ϕ 2

and consider the angular speed ω 2 as the output, i.e.

y = kω 2 ⋅ ω 2

53
Chapter 8. Design Examples

This gives us the following state space model of the servo.

 d1 +d f df k   km ki 

 − J1 J1 − J1f 
 
   J1  
 d   
ẋ = Ax + Bu = 

 J f d f +d2
− J2
kf  
 x + 

 0 
u


 2 J2   
 


1 −1 0
 0
 
y = Cx =  0 kω 2 0  x

The following values of constants and coefficients have been mea-

sured and estimated for a real lab process.

J1 = 22 ⋅ 10−6 kgm2
J2 = 65 ⋅ 10−6 kgm2
k f = 11.7 ⋅ 10−3 Nm/rad
d f = 2e − 5
d1 = 1 ⋅ 10−5 Nm/rad/s
d2 = 1 ⋅ 10−5 Nm/rad/s
km = 0.1 Nm/A
ki = 0.027 A/V
kω 1 = kω 2 = 0.0167 V/rad/s

Problem Formulation
The input is the voltage u over the motor and we want to control
the angular speed ω 2 of the outer flywheel.
It is desired to quickly be able to change ω c , while limiting the con-
trol system’s sensitivity against load disturbances and measurement
noise. The system also requires active damping, in order to avoid an
excessively oscillative settling phase.

Specifications
1. The step response of the closed loop system should be fairly well
damped and have a rise time of 0.1-0.3 s. The settling time to
±2% shall be at most 0.5 s. A graphical specification of the step
response is given in Figure 8.5.
2. Load disturbances must not give rise to any static errors.
3. Noise sensitivity should not be excessive.

Ziegler-Nichols Method
The Bode plot of the transfer function from u to ω 2 is shown in
Figure 8.6.
a. Use Ziegler-Nichols frequency method in order to determine suitable
PID parameters.
Ziegler-Nichols method often gives a rather oscillative closed loop
system. However, the obtained parameters are often a reasonable
starting point for manual tuning.

54
 Chapter 8. Design Examples

1.4

1.2

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1

Figure 8.5 The step response of the closed loop system shall lie between the
dashed lines.

10 0

10 −1

10 −2

10 −3

10 −4

10 −5
10 0 10 1 10 2 10 3

−50

−100

−150

−200

−250

−300
10 0 10 1 10 2 10 3
Frequency [rad/s]

Figure 8.6 Bode plot of the servo process.

State Feedback and Kalman Filtering

If it is possible to measure all states, the poles of the closed loop
system can be arbitrarily placed through the feedback control law

u(t) = − Lx(t) + L r yr (t)

if the system is also controllable.

55
Chapter 8. Design Examples

b. The gain L r is chosen such that the stationary gain of the closed
loop system becomes 1, i.e. y = yr in stationarity. The coefficient L r
can hence be expressed in L and kω 2 . Do this.
In order to meet specification 2, one must introduce integral action
in the controller. One way to achieve this it thorough the control law
Z t
u(t) = − Lx(t) + L r yr (t) − L i ( y(s) − yr (s))ds
−∞

This can be interpreted as feedback from an ’extra’ state xi according

to (
ẋi = y − yr
u = − Lx + L r yr − L i xi
Figure 8.7 shows a block diagram of the entire system

Lr

y −x u y
r 1
Σ
i
L Σ process
s i

x
−L

−1

Figure 8.7 Block diagram of the state feedback control system in assignment 8.2.

c. How does the augmented state space model look like? Introduce the
notion x e for the augmented state vector.
Since the states are not directly measurable, they must be recon-
structed in some way. A usual way is to introduce a Kalman filter

x̂˙ = A x̂ + Bu + K ( y − C x̂)

and then close the loop from the estimated states x̂

u = − L x̂ + L r yr − L i xi

It is, however, unnecessary to estimate xi since we have direct access

to this state. The block diagram of the entire system is shown in Fig-
ure 8.8. Let L′ denote the augmented row matrix ( L L i ) and call
the augmented system matrices A′ and B ′ , respectively. The problem
consists in finding suitable L, L i and K by placing the eigenvalues
of A′ − B ′ L′ and A − K C. Since the both eigenvalue problems are
of a bit too high dimension for enjoyable hand calculations, we use
Matlab to investigate a few choices of pole placements.

56
 Chapter 8. Design Examples

Lr

y −x u y
r 1
Σ
i
L Σ process
s i

^
x
Kalman
−L
filter

−1

Figure 8.8 Block diagram showing the Kalman filter and state feedback in as-
signment 8.2.

In order not to end up with too many free parameters, we place the
poles in a Butterworth pattern. I.e. the poles are equally distributed
on a half circle in the left half plane. We place the eigenvalues of
A′ − B ′ L′ on a half circle with radius ω m , whereas the eigenvalues of
A − K C are placed on a half circle with radius ω o (see Figure 8.9).
A suitable ω m can be obtained from Specification 1, i.e. that the
15

ωo
10

5 ωm

−5

−10

−15
−25 −20 −15 −10 −5 0 5

Figure 8.9 The pole placement in assignment 8.2.

settling time Ts to reach within 2% of the stationary value must be

less than 0.5 s. A coarse estimation of Ts for a second order system
with relative damping ζ and natural frequency ω is given by

ln ǫ
Ts ( −
ζω

where ǫ is the maximal deviation from the final value. Since we have
a 4th degree system, we cannot use this approximation directly.

57
Chapter 8. Design Examples

If we, however, only consider the least damped pole pair (ζ = 0.38
and ω = ω m ) in Figure 8.9 we obtain

ln ǫ
ωm ( − (8.2)
Tsζ

d. Which value of ω m is obtained from the formula (8.2)?

We let ω m = 20 which yields Ts < 0.5 s. We can let L r = 0 since
we have integral action in the controller and thus stationary closed
loop gain 1. Figure 8.10 shows the step response of the closed loop
system for L r = 0 and L r chosen according to sub-assignment b,
respectively. By letting L r = 0 the step response overshoot is suffi-
ciently decreased to fulfill the specification.
We now fix ω m and vary ω o . The following test shall be used to
evaluate the control performance. At time t = 0 there is a unit step
in the reference value yr followed by a load disturbance d = −1 in
the control signal at t = 1 and the introduction of measurement
noise (in y) at t = 3. The variance of the noise is 0.01. The result is
shown in Figure 8.11.
e. Which value of ω o seems to be best when it comes to elimination of
load disturbances? Which ω o is best when it comes to suppressing
measurement noise?

1.6

1.4

1.2

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1

Figure 8.10 Step response of the closed loop system for ω m = 20 rad/s. Choosing
Lr according to sub-assignment b yields the system with the larger overshoot. The
other curve is the step response corresponding to Lr = 0.

58
 Chapter 8. Design Examples

1.5

1
r and y

0.5

Time [s]
0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4

30

20

10
u

−10
Time [s]
−20
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4

Figure 8.11 Evaluation of control with ω m = 20 and ω o = 10 (solid curves), 20

(dashed curves) and 40 (dotted curves).

59
9. Interactive Comparison Between
Model Descriptions

There are many ways to describe the dynamics of processes and control
systems, e.g., step responses, transfer functions, state-space descriptions,
pole-zero diagrams, Bode diagrams, and Nyquist diagrams. A good way of
learning the correspondence between different descriptions is to use inter-
active tools. On the web page
http://aer.ual.es/ilm/
there are several interactive programs that may be downloaded for free.
The module Modeling is convenient to use to study model descriptions.
The interface of this module is shown in the figure below.
The model structure that you want to study is entered by "dragging"
poles and zeros in the pole-zero diagram. Parameters and dead time may
then be changed by dragging points or lines in the different diagrams, or
by entering numerical values for the transfer function. The best way of
learning to use the tool and examine its possibilities is to try things out by
experimenting with the different menus. More information is available on
the web page.
The gradation of the axes in the different diagrams can be changed by
clicking at the small triangles by the gradations. It is also possible to zoom
in and out.
Under the tab File you find the useful command “Reset data”, which
resets all values to default.

60
 Chapter 9. Interactive Comparison Between Model Descriptions

9.1 Study the transfer function

K
G (s) =
1 + sT
Let the starting poing be K = T = 1.
a. First, vary the gain K and note how the pole, step response, Nyquist
diagram and Bode diagram are affected. How can K be determined
from the step response, Nyquist diagram, and Bode diagram?
b. Set K = 1 and vary T. How are the different representations af-
fected? Why is the shape of the Nyquist diagram not affected?
c. Set K = T = 1 and add a dead time L such that the transfer
function becomes
K
G (s) = e− Ls
1 + sT
Vary L and obseve how that affects the representations. Explain
what happens with the step response. Why does the Nyquist curve
look like it does? Why is the gain curve of the Bode diagram not
affected?

9.2 Study the transfer function

K
G (s) =
(1 + sT1 )(1 + sT2 )
Let the starting point be K = T1 = T2 = 1.
a. First, vary the gain K and note how poles, step response, Nyquist
diagram, and Bode diagram are affected.
b. Set K = 1 and vary T1 and T2 . Note the difference between the cases
T1 ( T2 and T1 ≫ T2 . How can G (s) be approximated in the case
T1 ≫ T2 ?
c. Set K = T1 = T2 = 1 and add a zero, such that the transfer function
becomes
K (1 + sT3 )
G (s) =
(1 + sT1 )(1 + sT2 )
Vary T3 and observe how that affects the representations. What
happens when T3 < 0? What does this mean if you want to control
such a process? Try to explain the phenomenon.

9.3 Study the transfer function

ω2
G (s) =
s2 + 2ζ ω s + ω 2

Let the starting point be ζ = 0.7 och ω = 1.

a. First, vary the frequency ω and note how poles, step response,
Nyquist diagram, and Bode diagram are affected.
b. Set ω = 1 and vary ζ . Note how the representations change.

61
Chapter 9. Interactive Comparison Between Model Descriptions

62
Solutions to Chapter 1. Model Building
and Linearization

1.1 a. A block diagram of the system is shown in Figure 1.1. The person
that takes a shower senses the temperature and the flow (measure-
ment signals), and adjusts the shower handle (control signal) to get
desired temperature and flow. Feedback is primarily used. Distur-
bances may be variations in water pressure and temperature in the
water pipes.
Temp Hot
Person Shower
Cold
Flow

Figure 1.1 Block diagram of person taking a shower.

b. A car driver uses several control signals: the gas pedal, the brake,
the steering wheel. The driver wants to control the car such that
it keeps on the road with desired velocity, and keeps safe distance
to other vehicles. Measurement signals are the speedometer, and
visual feedback of how the car turns, the distance to the car in front,
and other road conditions. The uses feedforward, e.g., to adjust the
velocity in advance before a curve, but also feedback, by looking at
the speedometer to keep desired velocity. A block diagram of the
system is shown in Figure 1.2.

Road Conditions Steering

Road Curvature Accelerator
Driver Car
Distance Brakes
Velocity

Figure 1.2 Block diagram of car driving.

c. The control signal is the heat from the stove plate. Measurement
signals from the systems are obtained by observing how intensively
the water boils, and sensing how soft the potatoes are. Feedback
is used, e.g., when adjusting the power of the stove plate when the
water boils too intensively. Feedforward is used when following a
given recipe, e.g., "the potatoes are done after 20 minutes" or "when
the water boils, decrease the heat of the stove plate to half of full
power". A block diagram is shown in Figure 1.3.

1.2 a.
v̇ = ku
The system is linear.

63
Solutions to chapter 1. Model Building and Linearization

Heat
Stove Heat
Stove Pot & Water Potatoes
handle

Audio / Visual
Human Sensing (softness)

Figure 1.3 Block diagram of potato boiling.

b.

ẋ = ku
y= x

c. Now, we get an additional differential equation

ṗ = v

We may choose the states as x1 = v, x2 = p and get

ẋ1 = ku
ẋ2 = x1
y = x2

One can also write the system on matrix form

   
 0 0  k
ẋ = 
 x+
   u
1 0 0
 
y = 0 1 x

d. The term mx2 makes the system nonlinear. The stationary point is
given by
−0.001( x0 )2 + u0 = 0
which for u0 = 0.1 gives x0 = ±10. The stationary velocity thus
becomes y0 = 10 m/s.

e. The system is given by

ẋ = f ( x, u) = −mx2 + ku
y = ˆ( x, u) = x

We differentiate f and ˆ with respect to x and u and get

€f
= −2mx
€x
€f
=k
€u
€ˆ
=1
€x
€ˆ
=0
€u

64
 Solutions to chapter 1. Model Building and Linearization

We insert the stationary point ( x0 , u0 , y0 ) = (10, 0.1, 10) in the ex-

pressions for the derivatives, and introduce the new variables ∆ x =
x − x0 , ∆ y = y − y0 , ∆ u = u − u0 . We get the linear system
d∆ x
= −0.02∆ x + ∆ u
dt
∆y = ∆x

1.3 a. With x1 = y and x2 = ẏ the system is given by

   0   
1   x1   0 
 ẋ1        
= +  1 
 
  k c 
  
  f
ẋ2  − −  x2 
m m m
  x 
 1
y = 1 0   
x2

b. which has the solution

 
1 σ −σ t
y(t) = 1− e sin ω d t − e−σ t cos ω d t
k ωd
p
where σ = c/2m and ω d = k/m − c2 /4m2 .

1
k

1.4 With states x1 = vout and x2 = v̇out , the system is given by

      
 ẋ1   0 1   x1   0 
 = 1
     +  1 
     vin
ẋ2 − LC − RL x2 LC
  x 
 1
vout = 1 0  
   
x2

1.5 a. We can choose e.g. the height h as state variable. The volume change
in the tank is given by

Aḣ = qin − qout

√
and from Torricelli’s law we obtain qout = a 2ˆh. The sought dif-
ferential equation becomes
ap 1
ḣ + 2ˆh = qin
A A

65
Solutions to chapter 1. Model Building and Linearization

b.

ap 1
ḣ = − 2ˆh + qin ( = f (h, qin ))
pA A
qout = a 2ˆh ( = ˆ(h, qin ))

c. The outlflow must equal the inflow q0out = q0in . The level is calculated
by letting ḣ = 0, which yields
 2
0 1 q0in
h =
2ˆ a

We determine the partial derivatives

r
€f a ˆ €f 1
=− =
€h A 2h € qin A
r
€ˆ ˆ €ˆ
=a =0
€h 2h € qin

By inserting h = h0 above and introducing variables which denote

deviations from the operating point: ∆ h = h − h0 , ∆ qin = qin − q0in ,
∆ qout = qout − q0out the linearized system is
r
a ˆ 1
∆˙h = − ∆ h + ∆ qin
A 2h0 A
r
ˆ
∆ qout = a ∆h
2h0

1.6
      
 ẋ1   0 1 0   x1   0 

 
   
  
   


 ẋ2 

 =
 0 0 1 



 x2 
 0
+ u
   
      
ẋ3 −1 −2 −3 x3 1
 
  x1 

 

y = 1 0 0 
 x2 

  
x3

1.7 a.

ẋ1 = x2
√
ẋ2 = − x1 − x1 x2 + u2
y = x1

b. A stationary point implies ẋ1 = ẋ2 = 0. From the first equation

we directly obtain x2 = 0. Subsequently, the second equation yields
√
x1 = u2 . Hence there are infinitely many stationary points and
they can be parametrized through t as ( x10 , x20 , u0 ) = (t4 , 0, t).

66
 Solutions to chapter 1. Model Building and Linearization

c. u0 = 1 gives the stationary point ( x10 , x20 , u0 ) = (1, 0, 1). We let

f1 ( x1 , x2 , u) = x2
√
f2 ( x1 , x2 , u) = − x1 − x1 x2 + u2
ˆ( x1 , x2 , u) = x1

and compute the partial derivatives

€ f1 € f1 € f1
=0 =1 =0
€ x1 € x2 €u
€ f2 1 € f2 € f2
= − √ − x2 = − x1 = 2u
€ x1 2 x1 € x2 €u
€ˆ €ˆ €ˆ
=1 =0 =0
€ x1 € x2 €u

At the stationary point we have

€ f1 € f1 € f1
=0 =1 =0
€ x1 € x2 €u
€ f2 1 € f2 € f2
=− = −1 =2
€ x1 2 € x2 €u
€ˆ €ˆ €ˆ
=1 =0 =0
€ x1 € x2 €u

After a variable substitution, the linearized system can be written

 ˙      
 ∆ x1   0 1   ∆ x1   0 
 ˙ = 1
   
 +
    ∆u
∆ x2 − 2 −1 ∆ x2 2
   ∆x 
 1
∆y = 1 0  
  

∆ x2

1.8 At the sought operating point it holds that

0 = x12 x2 + 1
0 = x1 x22 + 1
x2 π 2
y = arctan +
x1 8
2
which yields x10 = −1, x20 = −1 and y0 = π
4 + π8 . Computation of the
partial derivatives now yields

€ f1 € f1 € f1 √
= 2x1 x2 = x12 = 2 cos u
€ x1 € x2 €u
€ f2 € f2 € f2 √
= x22 = 2x1 x2 = − 2 sin u
€ x1 € x2 €u
€ˆ − x2 €ˆ x1 €ˆ
= 2 = 2 = 4u
€ x1 x1 + x22 € x2 x1 + x22 €u

67
Solutions to chapter 1. Model Building and Linearization

With the variable substitution

π
∆u = u −
4
∆ x1 = x1 + 1
∆ x2 = x2 + 1
π π2
∆y = y − − .
4 8

the linearized system becomes

 ˙      
 ∆ x1   2 1   ∆ x1   1 
 ˙ =
   
  +
   ∆u

∆ x2 1 2 ∆ x2 −1
 
 ∆x 
 1
∆ y =  21 − 12  
  + π ∆ u.

∆ x2

1.9 a. The nonlinear state space equations are

ẋ1 = x2 = f1 ( x1 , x2 , u)
β
ẋ2 = ω 2 x1 − +u = f2 ( x1 , x2 , u)
x12
y = x1 = ˆ( x1 , x2 , u)

b. At stationarity it holds that

β
r̈(t) = ω 2 r0 − +0=0
r20

i.e. r30 = β /ω 2 . We now compute the partial derivatives

 € f1 € f1 € f1     

 € x1 € x2 €u 
  0 1 0  0 1 0

 
  
  
ω + 2β /r30
2
€ f2 € f2 € f2   2 


 € x1 € x2 €u


 =

 0 1
  3ω
= 0 1

 
    

 €ˆ €ˆ €ˆ  1 0 0 1 0 0
€ x1 € x2 €u

The linear system hence becomes

   
d∆ x  0 1 0
= 2  ∆x + 
    ∆u
dt 3ω 0 1
 
∆y =  1 0  ∆x

68
Solutions to Chapter 2. Dynamical
Systems

2.1 a. The transfer function for a linear system on state-space form is given
by

G (s) = C(sI − A)−1 B + D

  s 0   10 1  −1  0 
   
  
= 1 0 
  −
  
  
 
0 s −1 −1 1
1
=
(s − 10)(s + 1) + 1

The transfer function gives the relation

1
Y (s) = U (s)
(s − 10)(s + 1) + 1

which may be written as

s2 Y (s) − 9sY (s) − 9Y (s) = U (s)

Inverse Laplace transform gives the differential equation

ÿ − 9 ẏ − 9y = u

b. Laplace transform of the differential equation gives

Js2 Y (s) + DsY (s) = U (s)

We get
1
Y (s) = U (s)
Js2 + Ds
and thus the transfer function is
1
G (s) =
Js2 + Ds

When writing the system on state-space form, the states may be

chosen as x1 = y, x2 = ẏ. This gives the equations

ẋ1 = ẏ = x2
1 1
ẋ2 = ÿ = (− D ẏ + u) = (− D x2 + u)
J J
The system on state-space form is given by
   
0 1 

ẋ =  0

D  x +  1 u
  
0 −J J
 
y= 1 0 x
 

69
Solutions to chapter 2. Dynamical Systems

c. The transfer function is given by

1
G (s) = C(sI − A)−1 B + D = 1(s − −1/ k)−1 1/ k =
1 + sk

d. The transfer function gives the following relation between Y (s) and
U (s)
(s3 + α s2 + β s) Y (s) = γ U (s)
Inverse Laplace transform gives
...
y + α ÿ + β ẏ = γ u

Choosing the states

x1 = y
x2 = ẏ
x3 = ÿ

gives the state-space description

   
 0 1 0   0

 
 
 

ẋ = 

 0 0 1 

 x+

 0u
    
0 −β −α γ
 
y = 1 0 0 x

We may also use any of the "standard forms" for state-space descrip-
tions given in the collection of formulae (diagonal form, observable
canonical form, controllable canonical form). To write the system on
diagonal form we must factorize the transfer function, which is hard
when we don’t know the values of α and β . Thus, the controllable
or observable canonical forms are more convenient to choose. We
compare the coefficients in our transfer function to the structure in
the collection of formulae and get

a1 = α , a2 = β , a3 = 0, b1 = 0, b2 = 0, b3 = γ

A state-space description on observable canonical form is thus given

by
   
 −α 1 0   0

 
 
 

ẋ = 

 −β 0 1 

 x+

 0u
    
0 0 0 γ
 
y = 1 0 0 x

The model is presented and analyzed in the paper Complex dynam-

ics in low-dimensional continuous-time business cycle models: the
Sil’nikov case, H.W. Lorenz, System Dynamics Review, vol.8 no.3,
1992.

70
 Solutions to chapter 2. Dynamical Systems

2.2 a. The transfer function is

G (s) = C(sI − A)−1 B + D

 − 1  
s+2 0 5
= ( −1 1 ) +2
0 s+3 2
2s2 + 7s + 1
= .
s2 + 5s + 6

From the transfer function it is easy to determine the differential

equation

Y (s) = G (s) U (s)

(s2 + 5s + 6) Y (s) = (2s2 + 7s + 1) U (s)
ÿ + 5 ẏ + 6y = 2ü + 7u̇ + u

b. The transfer function is

G (s) = C(sI − A)−1 B + D

s + 7 −2 −1 3
   
= ( −2 1 ) =
15 s−4 8
2s + 3
= 2 .
s + 3s + 2

The differential equation becomes

Y (s) = G (s) U (s)

(s2 + 3s + 2) Y (s) = (2s + 3) U (s)
ÿ + 3 ẏ + 2y = 2u̇ + 3u

5s + 8
c. G (s) = , ẏ + y = 5u̇ + 8u
s+1
3s2 + 7s + 18
d. G (s) = , ÿ + 2 ẏ + 5y = 3ü + 7u̇ + 18u
s2 + 2s + 5

2.3 a. Partial fraction expansion of the transfer function yields

2 5
G (s) = 2 + −
s+3 s+2

and by applying the inverse Laplace transform, one obtains the im-
pulse response

h(t) = L−1 G (s) = 2δ (t) + 2e−3t − 5e−2t , t ≥ 0.

Comment. Because the system matrix was given in diagonal form, another
possibility would have been to compute the impulse response as
   e−2t  
0 5
h(t) = CeAt B + Dδ (t) =  −1

1 
  + 2δ (t), t ≥ 0.
0 e−3t 2

71
Solutions to chapter 2. Dynamical Systems

The step response is computed by e.g. integrating the impulse re-

sponse
Z t Z t 
y(t) = 2δ (τ ) + 2e−3τ − 5e−2τ dτ
h(τ )dτ =
0 0
 
5 −2τ 2 −3τ t
=2+ e − e
2 3 0
1 5 −2t 2 −3t
= + e − e , t ≥ 0.
6 2 3

b. The transfer function has the partial fraction expansion

1 1
G (s) = +
s+1 s+2

and the impulse response becomes

h(t) = L−1 G (s) = e−t + e−2t , t ≥ 0.

The step response is thus given by

Z t
3 1
y(t) = h(τ )dτ = − e−t − e−2t , t ≥ 0.
0 2 2

c. h(t) = 5δ (t) + 3e−t , y(t) = 8 − 3e−t , t≥0

√

d. h(t) = 3δ (t) + e−t sin 2t + e−t cos 2t = 3δ (t) + 2e−t sin 2t + π4
y(t) = 3 + 51 e−t (3 + sin 2t − 3 cos 2t) , t ≥ 0

2.4 After the Laplace transform, one obtains

sX = AX + B U
Y = CX + DU

Solve for X

(sI − A) X = B U
X = (sI − A)−1 B U

This gives
 
Y = C(sI − A)−1 B U + D U = C(sI − A)−1 B + D U

2.5 a. The poles are the solutions of the characteristic equation s2 + 4s+ 3 =
0, i.e. s = −1 and s = −3. The system lacks zeros. Since all poles
have negative real part, the system is stable.

b. The static gain is G (0) = 31 .

72
 Solutions to chapter 2. Dynamical Systems

c. At a step response, the input signal u(t) is a step, that has the
Laplace transform U (s) = 1s . The output becomes

1 1
Y (s) = G (s) U (s) =
s2 + 4s + 3 s

The final value can be calculated using the final value theorem

1 1 1
lim y(t) = lim sY (s) = lim s =
t→∞ s→0 s→0 s2 + 4s + 3 s 3

The final value theorem may be used only if we know that the final
value exists (i.e., that y(t) does not go to infinity). Since we have
shown that the system is stable, we know that the final value exists.
The initial value may, in the same manner, be computed using the
initial value theorem
1 1
lim y(t) = lim sY (s) = lim s =0
t→0 s→∞ s→∞ s2 + 4s + 3 s

d. At an impulse response, the Laplace transform of the input signal

is U (s) = 1. The output signal becomes

1
Y (s) =
s2 + 4s + 3

We use the final and initial value theorems

1
lim y(t) = lim sY (s) = lim s =0
t→∞ s→0 s→0 s2 + 4s + 3

1
lim y(t) = lim sY (s) = lim s =0
t→0 s→∞ s→∞ s2 + 4s + 3
e. The step response of the system is given by

1 1
Y (s) =
s2 + 4s + 3 s

from a previous subproblem. The derivative of a signal is in the

Laplace domain given by multiplication of s. We may denote the
derivative of the step response z(t) and get

1
Z (s) = sY (s) =
s2 + 4s + 3

We see that the derivative of the step response is the same as the
impulse response, and from the previous subproblem we thus get

lim z(t) = 0
t→0

2.6 a. The poles are the solutions the characteristic equation s2 + 0.6s +
0.25 = 0, i.e. s = −0.3 ± 0.4i. The system lacks zeros.

73
Solutions to chapter 2. Dynamical Systems

b. The static gain is G (0) = 1.

c. The input (a step) has the Laplace transform U (s) = 1s . The output
becomes
0.25
Y (s) = G (s) U (s) = 2
s(s + 0.6s + 0.25)
Because this system has complex poles, we first rewrite it as

ω2
Y (s) =
s(s2 + 2ζ ω s + ω 2 )

where ω = 0.5 and ζ = 0.6. We then utilize the inverse Laplace

transformation (transform no. 28) and obtain

y(t) = 1 − 1.25e−0.3t sin(0.4t + 0.9273)

The step response is shown below.

Step Response
1.2

0.8
Amplitude

0.6

0.4

0.2

0
0 5 10 15 20
Time [s]

2.7 Laplace transformation of the differential equation m ÿ + c ẏ + ky = f

yields
(ms2 + cs + k) Y = F
and the transfer function is hence
1
G (s) = .
ms2 + cs + k
p
The poles are s = −c/2m ± i k/m − c2 /4m2 . A change in k implies
a change of the imaginary part of the poles. A change in c affects
both the real and imaginary parts.
The poles cannot end up in the right half plane due to physical
reasons, since c ≥ 0 and m > 0.

1
2.8 a. G (s) =
LCs2 + RCs + 1
s
1 A 2h0
b. G (s) = , T=
Ts + 1 a ˆ

74
 Solutions to chapter 2. Dynamical Systems

2.9 a. To be asymptotically stable, all eigenvalues of the system matrix A

must lie strictly within the left half plane (LHP). I.e. Re(λ i ) < 0 ∀
i.
The eigenvalues of A are given by the characteristic equation

det(λ I − A) = 0

which in this case has two solutions, λ 1 = −i and λ 2 = i. Since

the eigenvalues do not lie strictly within the LHP, the system is not
asymptotically stable.

b. If all the eigenvalues of A lie strictly within the LHP, we are guar-
anteed stability. If any eigenvalue lies strictly in the RHP we have
an unstable system. If, on the other hand, there are eigenvalues on
the imaginary axis, the system can be either stable or unstable.
In this example there are no eigenvalues in the RHP. Additionally,
all eigenvalues on the imaginary axis are distinct. This tells us that
the system is stable.

2.10 The characteristic equation is

s3 + 2s2 + 3s + 7 = 0

The transfer function is stable if all coefficients are positive, which

is the case, and if the product of the s2 - and s1 coefficients is greater
than the s0 coefficient. The transfer function is therefore not stable,
since 2 ⋅ 3 < 7.

2.11 First and second order systems are stable if and only if the coeffi-
cients in the denominator polynomial of the transfer function are
positive. All transfer functions except for G3 are stable. All step re-
sponses except for E corresponds to stable systems. Thus, G3 = E.
All transfer functions except G3 , G4 , and G7 have a static gain of
Gi (0) = 1, which means that the final value of the step response is
one. G7 has a static gain of G7 (0) = 2/3, which gives G7 = C.
Step response D has a derivative that is not equal to 0 at t = 0.
Checking the initial derivative of the transfer functions gives that
this only is true for G1 and G5 . G1 has a time constant of 10s while
G5 has a time constant of 1s. Thus, G5 = D.
Now two step responses remain, A and B, which corresponds to
second order systems with complex poles and a static gain of one.
The transfer functions that fulfills these specifications are G2 and
G6 . The relative damping ζ is less for G6 than for G2 , which gives
G2 = A and G6 = B.

2.12 1 The system has the poles in −1/4 ± i and a zero in −1. The
transfer function is thus

s+1 s+1
G (s) = K (K .
(s + 41 )2 + 1 s2 + 12 s + 1

75
Solutions to chapter 2. Dynamical Systems

The initial value, initial derivative and final value become

y(0) = lim G (s) = 0

s→+∞
ẏ(0) = lim sG (s) = K ,= 0
s→+∞
lim y(t) = G (0) = K ,= 0
t→+∞

The step response is oscillating with period T = 2π /1 ( 6. This

must be step response D.
2 The system has poles in −1 and −2 and a zero in 1. The transfer
function is
s−1
G (s) = K
(s + 1)(s + 2)
The initial value, initial derivative and final value become

y(0) = lim G (s) = 0

s→+∞
ẏ(0) = lim sG (s) = K ,= 0
s→+∞
K
lim y(t) = G (0) = − ,= 0
t→+∞ 2
We see that the initial derivative and the final value have different
signs. This fits step response F.
3 The system has poles in −1/4 ± i and a zero in 0. The transfer
function is
s s
G (s) = K 1 2
(K 1
(s + 4 ) + 1 2
s + 2s + 1

The initial value, initial derivative and final value become

y(0) = lim G (s) = 0

s→+∞
ẏ(0) = lim sG (s) = K ,= 0
s→+∞
lim y(t) = G (0) = 0
t→+∞

The step response is oscillating with period T = 2π /1 ( 6. This is

step response G.
4 The system has poles in −1 and −2 and a zero in −3. The transfer
function is
s+3
G (s) = K .
(s + 1)(s + 2)
The initial value, initial derivative and final value become

y(0) = lim G (s) = 0

s→+∞
ẏ(0) = lim sG (s) = K ,= 0
s→+∞
3K
lim y(t) = G (0) = ,= 0
t→+∞ 2
The initial derivative and final value have the same sign. The only
nonoscillative step response which suits these criteria is C.

76
 Solutions to chapter 2. Dynamical Systems

2.13a. For the impulse response, u(t) = δ (t) (Dirac function). We have

U (s) = 1
Y (s) = G (s) U (s) = G (s)

Initial value:
lim y(t) = lim sY (s) = lim sG (s)
t→0 s→∞ s→∞

Final value:
lim y(t) = lim sY (s) = lim sG (s)
t→∞ s→0 s→0

All transfer functions have stable poles, and thus we may use the
final and initial value theorems.
y(0) limt→∞ y(t)
G1 (s) 1 0
G2 (s) 3 0
G3 (s) 0 0
G4 (s) 0 0
G5 (s) 0 1
G6 (s) 0 1

Both impulse responses in the figure have initial value 0 and final
value 0. Thus, they correspond to G3 (s) and G4 (s). The poles of
G3 (s) are located in s = −1, and the poles of G4 (s) in s = −3.
G4 (s) is thus a faster system, which corresponds to the impulse
response for lemonade. G3 (s) is slower, which corresponds to the
impulse response for whole grain pasta.
b. Normally, you eat a certain amount of food in a relatively short time,
and then do not eat for a longer period of time. Thus, you may model
food intake as an impulse, that occurs instantaneously compared to
the time it takes for the body to digest the food.
A step response in food intake would correspond to eating contin-
uously during a longer time. Feeding through intravenous therapy
could be described by a step response.

2.14a.

Y = G1 ( U + G2 Y )
Y (1 − G1 G2 ) = G1 U
G1
Y= U
1 − G1 G2

b.

Y = G2 ( H 1 U + G1 U + H 2 Y )
Y (1 − G2 H2 ) = ( G2 H1 + G2 G1 ) U
G2 H 1 + G2 G1
Y= U
1 − G2 H 2

77
Solutions to chapter 2. Dynamical Systems

c. Introduce the auxiliary variable Z, being the output of G1

Z = G1 ( U + G3 ( Z + G2 Z ))
Z (1 − G1 G3 − G1 G3 G2 ) = G1 U
G1
Z= U
1 − G1 G3 − G1 G3 G2
G2 G1
Y= U
1 − G1 G3 − G1 G3 G2

d.

Y = G2 (− H2 Y + G1 ( U − H1 Y ))
Y (1 + G2 H2 + G2 G1 H1 ) = G2 G1 U
G2 G1
Y= U
1 + G2 H 2 + G2 G1 H 1

2.15a. From the block diagram we get

Y (s) = G P (s)( U (s) + D (s))

U (s) = G R (s) E(s)
E(s) = R(s) − Y (s)

Solve for Y (s):

G P (s) G R (s) G P (s)

Y (s) = R(s) + D (s)
1 + G P (s) G R (s) 1 + G P (s) G R (s)

The system has two input signals, R(s) and D (s). The transfer func-
tion from R(s) to Y (s) is

G P (s) G R (s)
G yr (s) =
1 + G P (s) G R (s)

b. The transfer function from D (s) to Y (s) is

G P (s)
G yd (s) =
1 + G P (s) G R (s)

c. Solve for E(s):

1 G P (s)
E(s) = R(s) − D (s)
1 + G P (s) G R (s) 1 + G P (s) G R (s)

The transfer function from R(s) to E(s) becomes

1
G er (s) =
1 + G P (s) G R (s)

78
 Solutions to chapter 2. Dynamical Systems

d. Solve for U (s):

G R (s) G P (s) G R (s)

U (s) = R(s) − D (s)
1 + G P (s) G R (s) 1 + G P (s) G R (s)

The transfer function from D (s) to U (s) becomes

G P (s) G R (s)
Gud (s) = −
1 + G P (s) G R (s)

2.16a. Partial fraction expansion yields

s2 + 6s + 7 s+1 −1 2
G (s) = 2
= 2 +1= + +1
s + 5s + 6 s + 5s + 6 s+2 s+3

One has a certain freedom when choosing the coefficients of the B

and C matrices. However, the products bi ci remain constant. Let
e.g. b1 = b2 = 1. This enables us to immediately write the system
in diagonal form:
   
dx  −2 0  1
=  x +
   u
dt 0 −3 1
   
y =  −1 2x +1u

b. First rewrite the system as

b0 s + b1 s+1
G (s) = +d= 2 +1
s2 + a1 s + a2 s + 5s + 6

The controllable canonical form can be directly read from the trans-
fer function    
dx  −5 −6  1
= x+
   u
dt 1 0 0
   
y = 1 1 x + 1u

c. The observable canonical form is obtained in the same manner

   
dx  −5 1  1
=  x+
   u
dt −6 0 1
   
y = 1 0 x + 1u

79
Solutions to Chapter 3. Frequency
Analysis

3.1 a. The output is given by

 
y(t) = p G (3i)p sin 3t + arg G (3i)

where √
0.01 1 + 100ω 2
p G (iω )p = √ √
1 + ω 2 1 + 0.01ω 2
and
arg G (iω ) = arctan 10ω − arctan ω − arctan 0.1ω

For ω = 3 one obtains p G (iω )p = 0.0909 and arg G (iω ) = −0.003

which gives
y(t) = 0.0909 sin(3t − 0.003)

b. Reading from the plot yields p G (3i)p ( 0.09 and arg G (3i) ( 0. We
obtain
y(t) = 0.09 sin 3t

3.2 a. The air temperature will affect the water temperature much faster
in the small garden pool than in the sea. Faster influence means
that the gain is greater for higher frequencies. Thus, the solid line
represents the garden pool – G2 (s), and the dashed line the sea
water – G1 (s).

b. The time scale in the Bode diagram is hours. Thus, we convert the
period time to hours:

1 year = 365 ⋅ 24 h = 8760 h

The angular frequency of the oscillation thus becomes

2π 2π
ω= = rad/h = 7 ⋅ 10−4 rad/h.
T 8760

We read off the dashed amplitude curve at this frequency and get

p G (iω )p ( 0.5

This means that the oscillation in the output (the water tempera-
ture) has half as big amplitude as the oscillation in the input (the
air temperature) at this frequency. The difference between the maxi-
mum and minimum temperature in the air is ∆ Tlu f t = 19○ C−(−5○ C
) = 24○ C. The difference between the maximum and minimum tem-
perature in the water thus becomes ∆ Tvatten = 0.5 ⋅ 24○ C = 12○ C.

80
 Solutions to chapter 3. Frequency Analysis

c. The angular frequency for the oscillation is now

2π 2π
ω= = rad/h = 0.26 rad/h.
T 24

We read off the solid phase curve at this frequency and get

arg( G (iω )) ( −30○ .

30 ○
This means that the peak of the output signal will be 360 ○ ( 0.08
period = 0.08 ⋅ 24 h = 1.92 h later than the peak of the input signal.
Thus, the pool is as warmest around 15.00.

3.3 a. The output is given by

 
y(t) = p G (iω )p sin ω t + arg G (iω )

where
 
 10  10
p G (iω )p = 

2
= p
(iω ) + 0.5iω + 1  (1 − ω )2 + (0.5ω )2
2

and

10 2


arg G (iω ) = arg = − arg (1 − ω ) + 0.5ω i
(iω )2 + 0.5iω + 1

0.5ω
− arctan 1 − ω 2 , ω <1





= −π /2, ω =1


− arctan 0.5ω − π ,



ω >1
1 −ω2

The output becomes

10.4 sin (0.2t − 5.9○ ), 20.0 sin (t − 90.0○ ), 0.011 sin (30t − 179.0○ )

b. For ω = 0.2 one reads p G (iω )p ( 10 and arg G (iω ) ( −5○ . For ω = 1
one reads p G (iω )p ( 20 and arg G (iω ) ( −90○ . For ω = 30 one reads
p G (iω )p ( 0.01 and arg G (iω ) ( −180○ . The output is approximately

10 sin (0.2t − 5○ ), 20 sin (t − 90○ ), 0.01 sin (30t − 180○ )

3.4 We use the following general approach to draw Bode plots

• Factor the transfer function of the system.

• Determine the low frequency asymptote (small s).
• Determine the corner frequencies (i.e. the magnitude of the
poles and zeros of the system.)

81
Solutions to chapter 3. Frequency Analysis

• Draw the asymptotes of the gain curve from low to high fre-
quencies, aided by the following rules of thumb
– A pole decreases the slope of the gain curve by 1 at the
corner frequency.
– A zero increases the slope of the gain curve by 1 at the
corner frequency.
• Draw the asymptotes of the phase curve from low to high fre-
quencies, aided by the following rules of thumb
– A (stable) pole decreases the value of the phase curve by
90○ at the corner frequency.
– A (stable) zero increases the value of the phase curve by
90○ at the corner frequency.
• Draw the real gain- and phase curves, aided by the asymptotes
and sample curves in the collection of formulae.

a. The transfer function can be written

1
G (s) = 3 ⋅
1 + s/10

Low frequency asymptote: G (s) ( 3.

Corner frequency: ω = 10 rad/s (pole).
The gain curve starts with slope 0 and value 3. The slope decreases
by 1 at ω = 10 rad/s, due to the pole, and thus ends being −1.
The phase curve starts at 0○ . The phase is decreased by 90○ at ω =
10 rad/s, due to the pole, and thus ends being −90○ .
The asymptotes and the finished Bode plots are shown in Figure 3.1.

b. The transfer function can be written

1 1
G (s) = 10 ⋅ ⋅
1 + 10s 1 + s

Low frequency asymptote: G (s) ( 10.

Corner frequencies: ω = 0.1 rad/s (pole), ω = 1 rad/s (pole).
The gain curve starts with slope 0 and value 10. The slope is de-
creased by 1 at ω = 0.1 rad/s, due to the first pole, and by 1 at
ω = 1 rad/s, due to the second pole. Thus, the final slope becomes
−2.
The phase curve starts at 0○ . The phase is decreased by 90○ at ω =
0.1 rad/s, due to the first pole, and by 90○ at ω = 1 rad/s, due to
the second pole. Thus, the final phase is −180○ .
The asymptotes and the finished Bode plot are shown in Figure 3.2.

c. The transfer function can be written

1
G (s) = e−s ⋅
1+s

Low frequency asymptote: G (s) ( 1.

82
 Solutions to chapter 3. Frequency Analysis

1
10

Magnitude
0
10

−1
10
0 1 2
10 10 10

−30
Phase

−60

−90
0 1 2
10 10 10
Frequency [rad/s]
3
Figure 3.1 The Bode plot of G (s) = 1+s/10
.

1
10
Magnitude

0
10

−1
10

−2
10
−2 −1 0 1
10 10 10 10

−45
Phase

−90

−135

−180
−2 −1 0 1
10 10 10 10
Frequency [rad/s]
10
Figure 3.2 Bode plot of G (s) = (1+10s)(1+s)
.

Corner frequency: ω = 1 rad/s (pole).

The delay ( e−s ) does not affect the gain curve, which starts with
slope 0 and value 1. The slope is decreased by 1 at ω = 1 rad/s, due
to the pole, and the final slope is thus −1.
The phase curve is harder to sketch. One approach is to draw the
asymptotes of the system without the delay and superposition it with

83
Solutions to chapter 3. Frequency Analysis

the phase curve of e−s , which can be obtained from the collection of
formulae or by computing some points and interpolating between
these.
Anyway, we see that the phase curve starts at 0○ and that the phase
then decreases both due to the pole (at ω = 1 rad/s) and the delay.
The delay causes the phase to approach −∞ for large ω .
The finished plot is shown in Figure 3.3.

0
10
Magnitude

−1
10
−1 0 1
10 10 10

−90
Phase

−180

−270

−360
−1 0 1
10 10 10
Frequency [rad/s]
e−s
Figure 3.3 Bode plot of G (s) = 1+s
.

d. The transfer function can be written

1 1
G (s) = ⋅ (1 + s) ⋅
s 1 + s/10

1
Low frequency asymptote: G (s) ( .
s
Corner frequencies: ω = 1 rad/s (zero), ω = 10 rad/s (pole).
The gain curve starts with slope −1. The slope increases by 1 at
ω = 1 rad/s, due to the zero, and at ω = 10 rad/s the slope decreases
by 1, due to the pole. Consequently, the final slope is −1.
The phase curve starts at −90○ . The phase increases by 90○ at ω =
1 rad/s, due to the zero, and decreases by 90○ at ω = 10 rad/s, due
to the pole. Consequently, the final phase is −90○ .
The finished plot is shown in Figure 3.4.

e. The transfer function can be written

1 1
G (s) = 2 ⋅ ⋅ (1 + 5s) ⋅
s 1 + 2ζ (s/2) + (s/2)2

where ζ = 0.2.

84
 Solutions to chapter 3. Frequency Analysis

1
10

Magnitude
0
10

−1
10
−1 0 1 2
10 10 10 10

−30
Phase

−60

−90
−1 0 1 2
10 10 10 10
Frequency [rad/s]
1+s
Figure 3.4 Bode plot of G (s) = s(1+s/10)
.

2
Low frequency asymptote: G (s) ( .
s
Corner frequencies: ω = 0.2 rad/s (zero), ω = 2 rad/s (complex
conjugated pole pair).
The gain curve starts with slope −1. The slope is increased by 1 at
ω = 0.2 rad/s, due to the zero, and decreased by 2 at ω = 2 rad/s,
due to the pole pair. Consequently, the final slope is −2.
The phase curve starts at −90○ . The phase is increased by 90○ at
ω = 0.2 rad/s, due to the zero, and decreased by 180○ at ω = 2 rad/s,
due to the pole pair. Consequently, the final phase is −180○ .
The low damping (ζ = 0.2) of the complex conjugated pole pair gives
the gain curve a resonance peak at ω = 2 rad/s. Additionally, the
phase decreases rapidly at this frequency, cf. the sample curves in
the collection of formulae. The finished plot is shown in Figure 3.5.

3.5 a. The Nyquist curve start in 3 (the static gain) for ω = 0 rad/s. Both
the gain and phase are strictly decreasing, which makes the curve
turn clockwise while its distance to the origin decreases. The gain
and phase approach 0 and −90○ , respectively, for large values of ω .
The curve is thus bound to the fourth quadrant and approaches the
origin along the negative imaginary axis as ω → ∞.

85
Solutions to chapter 3. Frequency Analysis

2
10
Magnitude
1
10

0
10

−2 −1 0 1
10 10 10 10

−45
Phase

−90

−135

−180
−2 −1 0 1
10 10 10 10
Frequency [rad/s]
2(1+5s)
Figure 3.5 Bode plot of G (s) = s(1+0.2s+0.25s2 )
.

Aided by this analysis, one can now sketch the Nyquist curve by
choosing a few frequencies (e.g. ω = 1, 10 and 100 rad/s) and draw-
ing the corresponding points in the complex plane. The finished
curve is shown in Figure 3.6.

0.5

−0.5
Im

−1

−1.5

−2
−0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5
Re
3
Figure 3.6 Nyquist curve of G (s) = 1+s/10
.

b. The Nyquist curve starts in 10 (the static gain) for ω = 0 rad/s.

Both the gain and phase are strictly decreasing, which makes the
curve turn clockwise while its distance to the origin decreases. The
gain and phase approach 0 and −180○ , respectively, for large values
of ω . The curve will thus go from the fourth to the third quadrant,
approaching the origin along the negative real axis as ω → ∞.

86
 Solutions to chapter 3. Frequency Analysis

The intersection with the negative imaginary axis can be drawn by

reading off the magnitude when the phase is −90○ . One can now
sketch the Nyquist curve by choosing a few additional frequencies
(e.g. ω = 0.1, 1 rad/s) and drawing the corresponding points in the
complex plane. The finished curve is shown in Figure 3.7.

−2
Im

−4

−6

−2 0 2 4 6 8 10 12
Re
10
Figure 3.7 Nyquist curve of G (s) = (1+10s)(1+s)
.

c. The Nyquist curve starts in 1 (the static gain) for ω = 0 rad/s. Both
the gain and phase are strictly decreasing, which makes the curve
turn clockwise while its distance to the origin decreases. The gain
and phase approach 0 and −∞, respectively, for large values of ω .
The curve will thus rotate infinitely many times as it approaches
the origin. The first intersections with the axis can be drawn by
reading off the magnitude when the phase is −90○ , −180○ , −270○
and −360○ , respectively. The finished curve is shown in Figure 3.8.

0.5

0
Im

−0.5

−1

−1 −0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5

Re
e−s
Figure 3.8 Nyquist curve of G (s) = 1+s
.

87
Solutions to chapter 3. Frequency Analysis

3.6 Let the sought transfer function be G (s). The gain curve starts with
slope −1, which indicates that G (s) contains a factor 1s (an inte-
grator). We observe that there are two corner frequencies: ω 1 = 1
and ω 2 = 100 rad/s. The gain curve breaks upwards once at ω 1 and
downward once at ω 2 . Hence, the nominator hosts a factor 1 + s,
whereas the denominator contains a factor 1 + s/100. In addition,
G (s) contains a constant gain K . We thus have

K (1 + s)
G (s) =
s(1 + s/100)

We evaluate the low frequency asymptote of the gain curve at e.g.

ω = 0.01 rad/s, in order to determine K . This yields
K
p G (0.01i)p = 0.01 =1 [ K = 0.01

Finally we verify that the phase curve matches this system.

3.7 Let the sought transfer function be G (s). The gain curve has two
corner frequencies: ω 1 = 2 and ω 2 = 100 rad/s. The gain curve
breaks downwards once at ω 1 and three times at ω 2 . Thus the de-
s 3
nominator of G (s) contains the factors (1 + 2s ) and (1 + 100 ) . The
slope of the low frequency asymptote is 1. Thus G (s) has a factor s
in the nominator. Additionally, G (s) contains a constant gain K . We
have
Ks
G (s) = s s 3
(1 + 2 )(1 + 100 )

The factor K is computed by determining a point on the LF asymp-

tote, e.g. G L F (s) = K s

p G L F (iω )p = K ω = 4

for ω = 2 rad/s. This gives

K =2

(Observe that one should use the LF asymptote rather than the
actual gain curve, when computing K .)
Finally we verify by checking that the phase curve matches this
system.

88
Solutions to Chapter 4. Feedback
Systems

4.1 a. Laplace transformation of the differential equation yields

sY (s) + 0.01Y (s) = 0.01U (s)

The transfer function G P (s) is thus given by

0.01
Y (s) = G P (s) U (s) = U (s)
s + 0.01

b. The transfer function of the closed loop system becomes

0.01
G P (s) G R (s) K 0.01K
G (s) = = s+0.01
0.01
=
1 + G P (s) G R (s) 1 + s+0.01 K s + 0.01 + 0.01K

c. The desired and actual characteristic polynomials are the same if

all their coefficients match. Identification of coefficients yields

0.1 = 0.01 + 0.01K \ K =9

4.2 Since r(t) = 0, the control error becomes e(t) = − y(t). Further, the
closed loop system has to be asymptotically stable.

G P (s)
Y (s) = G P (s)( F (s)− G R (s) Y (s)) \ Y (s) = F (s)
1 + G R (s) G P (s)

If f (t) is a unit step, we have F (s) = 1s .

a. Seek y(∞) for G R = K

1 1 1
y(∞) = lim sY (s) = lim s =
s→0 s→0 (ms2 + ds + K ) s K

The function sY (s) has all poles in the left-half plane when the
parameters m, d and K are positive.

b. The same assignment, but with G R (s) = K 1 + K 2 /s. This yields

1 1
y(∞) = lim s K2
s→0 (ms2
+ ds + K 1 + s )
s
s
= lim 3 2
=0
s→0 ms + ds + K 1 s + K 2

under the assumption of stability, which is the case for m > 0, d > 0
and K 1 > md K 2 > 0. Rule: If the disturbance is a step, one needs
at least one integrator before the point in the block diagram where
the disturbance is introduced, in order to make the stationary error
zero.

89
Solutions to chapter 4. Feedback Systems

4.3 a. For the closed loop system it holds, when R = 0, that

U (s) = K (0 − Y (s)) = − K ( G P (s) U (s) + N (s))

from which one obtains

−K
U (s) = N (s)
1 + K G P (s)
(4.1)
1
Y (s) = G P (s) U (s) + N (s) = N (s)
1 + K G P (s)

1
b. Inserting G P (s) = s+ 1 into (4.1) yields the relations

− K (s + 1)
U (s) = N (s)
s+1+ K
s+1
Y (s) = G P (s) U (s) + N (s) = N (s) =: G yn (s) N (s)
s+1+ K
In stationarity it holds that

y(t) = Ap G yn (iω )p sin(ω t + arg G yn (iω ))

√  
1 +ω2 ω
= Ap sin ω t + arctan ω − arctan
( K + 1)2 + ω 2 K +1
u(t) = − K y(t)
√  
1 +ω2 ω
= −K Ap sin ω t + arctan ω − arctan
( K + 1)2 + ω 2 K +1

c. With A = 1 and K = 1 the amplitudes of the oscillations in u and y

become s
1 +ω2
Au =
4 +ω2
s
1 +ω2
Ay =
4 +ω2
For ω = 0.1 rad/s the amplitudes become

Au ( 0.5
A y ( 0.5

while ω = 10 rad/s yields

Au ( 1
Ay ( 1

4.4 With G P (s) = 1/( Js2 ) we obtain

E(s) = θ re f (s) − θ (s)

= θ re f (s) − G P (s)( M (s) + K G R (s) E(s))
1 G P (s)
[ E(s) = θ re f (s) − M (s)
1 + K G P (s) G R (s) 1 + K G P (s) G R (s)

90
 Solutions to chapter 4. Feedback Systems

Assume a constant disturbance momentum Md0 and a constant ref-

0
erence θ re f . We postulate G R (s) = Q (s)/ P( S), which gives

1
0
1 θ re f Js2 M0
E(s) = ⋅ − ⋅ d
Q(s) s Q(s) s
1+K 2 1+ K 2
Js P(s) Js P(s)
0
s2 J P(s) θ re f P(s) M0
= 2 ⋅ − 2 ⋅ d
s J P(s) + K Q(s) s s J P(s) + K Q(s) s

The stationary error becomes

e∞ = lim e(t) = lim sE(s)

t→∞ s→0

P(0) P(0)
=0− Md0 = − M0
K Q(0) K Q(0) d

where we have assumed that Q(0) ,= 0 and that the conditions for
the final value theorem are fulfilled. We see that P(0) = 0 yields
e∞ = 0. In order to eliminate persistent angular errors caused by
disturbance momenta, it is consequently required to utilize a con-
troller G R (s) with at least one pole in the origin ( P(0) = 0).

4.5 The input of the thermocouple is the temperature u(t) of the bath,
which gives
1
u(t) = t [ U (s) = 2
s
The output y(t) is the reading of the temperature sensor. Thus

1 1
Y (s) = G (s) U (s) = ⋅ 2
1 + sT s

For the error e(t) = u(t) − y(t) it holds that

 
1 1 sT 1
E(s) = U (s) − Y (s) = 2 1 − = ⋅
s 1 + sT 1 + sT s2

The stationary error is obtained by means of the final value theorem

s2 T 1
e(∞) = lim sE(s) = lim = T = 10
s→0 s→0 1 + sT s2

The thermocouple measurement is hence 10○ less than the actual

temperature. I.e. the actual temperature of the bath is 102.6○ C +
10○ C = 112.6○ C.
Observe that the error in this has a bounded limit, despite the fact
that both u(t) and y(t) lack (bounded) limits as t → ∞. It is the
difference between u and y which converges to a constant value.

91
Solutions to chapter 4. Feedback Systems

4.6 The low frequency asymptote is

K
G L F (s) =
s2

where the constant K is given by

K
p G L F (iω )p = ; p G L F (i)p = 1 [ K =1
ω2
At the corner frequency ω 1 = 1 rad/s the slope changes from −2
to 0, and at ω 2 = 5 rad/s it changes from 0 to −1. The transfer
function for the open loop system is thus

(1 + sT1 )2
Go (s) = 2
s (1 + sT2 )

where T1 = 1/ω 1 = 1 and T2 = 1/ω 2 = 0.2.

The transfer function of the closed loop system becomes

Go (s)
G (s) =
1 + Go (s)

The output is Y (s) = G (s) R(s) and the error E(s) becomes

1 s2 (1 + 0.2s)
E(s) = R(s) − Y (s) = R(s) = 2 R(s)
1 + Go s (1 + 0.2s) + (1 + s)2

a.
a
R(s) = [ e∞ = lim e(t) = lim sE(s)
s t→∞ s→0

as2 (1 + 0.2s)
= lim =0
s→0 s2 (1 + 0.2s) + (1 + s)2
The system can thus track inputs r(t) = a without a stationary
error.

b.
b
R(s) = [ e∞ = lim e(t) = lim sE(s)
s2 t→∞ s→0
−
bs(1 + 0.2s)
= lim 2 =0
s→0 s (1 + 0.2s) + (1 + s)2

The system can also track inputs r(t) = bt without a stationary

error.

c.
2c
R(s) = [ e∞ = lim e(t) = lim sE(s)
s3 t→∞ s→0

2c(1 + 0.2s)
= lim = 2c ,= 0
s→0 s2 (1 + 0.2s) + (1 + s)2
The input r(t) = ct2 , however, yields a stationary error.

92
 Solutions to chapter 4. Feedback Systems

d. Superposition can be used, since the closed loop system is linear

and time invariant (LTI). Here, the input is the sum of the inputs
in sub-assignments a and b. The total (superpositioned) stationary
error thus becomes e∞ = 0 + 0 = 0.

e. The input r(t) = sin(t) yields

1
R(s) = [ lim sE(s)
1 + s2 s→0

s2 (1 + 0.2s)
= lim s =0
s→0 (s2 (1 + 0.2s) + (1 + s)2 )(1 + s2 )

but the input r(t) = sin(t) yields the output y(t) = yo sin(t + φ ),
where
yo = p G (i)p , φ = arˆ G (i)
once transients have decayed. The error e(t) = r(t) − y(t) is thus
also a sinusoid and the limit

lim e(t)
t→∞

does not exist. This shows that the final value theorem should not be
used without caution. It is only valid for cases where a limit really
exists. The criterion is that all poles of sE(s) must have negative
real parts. (The factor s2 + 1 in the denominator yields two poles on
the imaginary axis.)

4.7 a. The sensitivity function is given by

1 1 s3 + 3s2 + 3s + 1
S(s) = = =
1 + G P (s) G R (s) 1 + (s6.5
+1)3
s3 + 3s2 + 3s + 7.5

b. For ω = 0 rad/s we have p S(iω )p = 1/7.5. Constant load distur-

bances are thus damped by a factor 7.5.

c. The sensitivity functions has its maximum value p S(iω )p =( 10 at

ω ( 1.6 rad/s.

4.8 a. The left curve shows the complementary sensitivity function, whereas
the sensitivity function is given by the right curve.

b. The disturbances at various frequencies are amplified according to

the gain curve of the sensitivity function. Disturbances below 2 rad/s
are hence reduced, disturbances in the range 0.2 to 2 rad/s are
amplified and disturbances above 2 rad/s pass straight through.
The worst case gain, 2, is obtained at the frequency 0.55 rad/s.

c. The complementary sensitivity function, corresponding to the closed

loop transfer function from r to y, lies close to 1 up to approximately
0.7 rad/s.

93
Solutions to chapter 4. Feedback Systems

d. The maximal magnitude of the sensitivity function equals the in-

verse of the minimal distance between the Nyquist curve and the
point −1. The minimal distance is thus 1/2 = 0.5. The distance to
−1, as the Nyqist curve intersects the negative real axis, must hence
be at least 0.5. This implies that the gain margin is at least 2.

4.9 The closed loop transfer function is given by

Go K
G (s) = = 2
1 + Go s + 2s + K

The poles of the closed loop system are given by the characteristic
equation √
s2 + 2s + K = 0 [ s = −1 ± 1 − K
For K = 0 the roots s1,2 = 0, −2, i.e. the poles of the open loop
system, are obtained. The closed loop system G (s) has a double pole
in s = −1 for K = 1. And as K → ∞ the roots become

s1,2 = −1 ± i∞

The root locus, i.e. the roots of the characteristic equation as K

varies, is shown in Figure 4.1 .

Figure 4.1 Root locus of the system in assignment 4.9.

4.10 The open loop transfer function of the system is

K (s + 10)(s + 11) Q(s)

Go (s) = =K
s(s + 1)(s + 2) P(s)

94
 Solutions to chapter 4. Feedback Systems

The closed loop system becomes

Go (s) K Q(s)
G (s) = =
1 + Go (s) P(s) + K Q(s)

The characteristic equation is thus

P(s) + K Q(s) = 0
\s(s + 1)(s + 2) + K (s + 10)(s + 11) = 0
\s3 + (3 + K )s2 + (2 + 21K )s + 110K = 0

a. The criterion for stability is that all coefficients of the characteristic

polynomial
s3 + (3 + K )s2 + (2 + 21K )s + 110K
are positive and that

(3 + K )(2 + 21K ) > 110K

The inequality yields

15 2
K2 − K+ >0
7 7
It is fulfilled for K > 2 and K < 1/7. The closed loop system is
hence stable for
1
0<K <
7
and
K >2

b. Find the root locus for the characteristic equation, P(s)+ K Q(s) = 0

s(s + 1)(s + 2) + K (s + 10)(s + 11) = 0 (4.2)

Let n = the degree of P(s) and m = the degree of Q(s). The root
locus has a maximum of max(n, m) = 3 branches.
Starting points:

P(s) = 0 [ s = 0, −1, −2

Ending points:

Q(s) = 0 [ s = −10, −11

The third branch will approach infinity.

To the right of each real point of the root locus, there must exists
an odd number of zeros of P(s) and Q(s). The points x, which fulfill
this are
x < −11 − 10 < x < −2 − 1 < x < 0
The root locus has pn − mp = 1 asymptote. This is the negative real
axis, since the range x < −11 on the real axis belongs to the root
locus.

95
Solutions to chapter 4. Feedback Systems

The intersection with the imaginary axis is obtained by introducing

s = iω (4) above. This yields

−(3 + K )ω 2 + 110K + i(−ω 3 + (2 + 21K )ω ) = 0

The resulting equation has a solution ω = K = 0 and

(
−(3 + K )ω 2 + 110K = 0
ω 2 − (2 + 21K ) = 0
√ √
gives K = 1/7, ω = ± 5 or K = 2, ω = ± 44.
We know from sub-assignment a that the closed loop system is un-
stable for 1/7 < K < 2. Consequently, the root locus lies in the
right half plane for these values of K . The principal shape of the
root locus is shown in Figure 4.2.

Figure 4.2 Root locus of the system in assignment 4.10.

4.11a. The open loop transfer function of the system is

K
G0 (s) =
s(s + 1)(s + 2)
The closed loop transfer function is thus
G0 (s) K
Gcl (s) = =
1 + G0 (s) s(s + 1)(s + 2) + K
The system is asymptotically stable if all zeros of the characteristic
polynomial

s(s + 1)(s + 2) + K = s3 + 3s2 + 2s + K

have negative real parts. This is the case if all coefficients are pos-
itive and if
3⋅2 > K
The system is thus asymptotically stable if 0 < K < 6.

96
 Solutions to chapter 4. Feedback Systems

b. Now we want to study the dependence of K on the stationary error,

as the reference increases as a linear function of time. The Laplace
transform of the control error is given by
1 s(s + 1)(s + 2)
E(s) = R(s) = R(s)
1 + G0 s(s + 1)(s + 2) + K

With r(t) = 0.1t, i.e. R(s) = 0.1/s2 , we obtain

0.1(s + 1)(s + 2)
E(s) =
s(s(s + 1)(s + 2) + K )

The signal sE(s) has all poles in the left-half plane when 0 < K < 6,
according to sub-assignment a. For this case we can utilize the final
value theorem
0.1(s + 1)(s + 2) 0.2
e(∞) = lim s =
s→0 s(s(s + 1)(s + 2) + K ) K
In order to obtain a stationary error less than 5 mV for the given
reference, it is required that K > 40. For such large values of K
the system is, however, not stable. It it hence impossible to meet the
specification.

4.12 According to the Nyquist theorem, the closed loop system is stable
exactly for those K > 0, which are also
a. K < 2
b. K < 1/1.5 = 2/3
c. K < 1/1.5 = 2/3
d. K < 1/(2/3) = 1.5

4.13 The Nyquist curve intersects the negative real axis when arg( G P (iω )) =
−π , i.e. when
−3 arctan(ω ) = −π
This is fulfilled when
π √
ω = tan = 3
3
The intersection point is given by
√ 1
p G P (i 3)p =
8
This means that the system is stable for K < 8.

4.14 The system is stable for

1
0< K < \ 0 < K < 0.29
3.5
as well as
1
1<K < \ 1< K <2
0.5

97
Solutions to chapter 4. Feedback Systems

4.15 The easiest way to solve the problem is through the Nyquist theorem.
The transfer function of the process is

e−9s
G P (s) =
(1 + 20s)2

The phase shift of the process is

arg G P (iω ) = −9ω − 2 arctan(20ω )

We seek the frequency for which the phase shift is −180○ . It is

obtained by solving the equation

−9ω − 2 arctan(20ω ) = −π

The equation lacks an analytic solution. However, it can be solved

numerically in several ways. The solution is

ω 0 ( 0.1

The next step is to determine the process gain for the given fre-
quency.
1
p G (iω 0 )p = = 0.2
1 + 400ω 02
This gives us the gain margin

1
Am = =5
0.2
The gain K = 5 is thus the maximal admissible gain.

4.16 The loop transfer function is

1
10(1 + 2s ) 5(1 + 2s)
G P (s) G R (s) = e−sL ⋅ = e−sL ⋅
(1 + 10s) s(1 + 10s)

The cross-over frequency is the frequency where the magnitude of

the loop transfer function is equal to one.
p
5 1 + 4ω 2c
p G0 (iω c )p = p =1
ω c 1 + 100ω 2c

The equation can be solved numerically or analytically

25(1 + 4ω 2c ) = ω 2c (1 + 100ω 2c )
ω 4c − 0.99ω 2c − 0.25 = 0
ω 2c ( 1.199
ω c ( 1.1 rad/min

The phase at this frequency is

arg G0 (iω c ) = arctan 2ω c − arctan 10ω c − 90○ − ω c L

98
 Solutions to chapter 4. Feedback Systems

The requirement of the phase margin, ϕ m ≥ 10○ , gives

ϕ m = 180○ + arg G0 (iω c )

= 180○ + arctan 2ω c − arctan 10ω c − 90○ − ω c L
( 70○ − ω c L ≥ 10○

This gives the following limit for the time delay L:

60 π
L≤ ⋅ = 1 min
ω c 180

The time delay must therefore be less than one minute.

4.17a. True. Am = 1/p K G P (iω 0 )p, where ω 0 is the frequency for which the
Nyquist curve intersects the negative real axis.

b. True. ϕ m = π + arg G P (iω ) for p G P (iω )p = 1.

c. False. As K is decreased, all points on the Nyquist curve move closer

to the origin. Thus the phase margin increases as K is decreased.

d. True. The system is stable for K = 1 and all poles of G P (s) lie in the
left half plane. Consequently, the simplified Nyquist criterion can
be applied. For K = 2, the point −1 lies to the right of the Nyquist
curve, when it is traversed as ω increases. The closed loop system
is thus stable.

4.18a. This is the definition of the gain margin. From the plot one sees
that the phase −180○ corresponds to the gain ∼ 0.4. This yields the
gain margin 1/0.4 = 2.5.

b. This is the definition of the phase margin. From the plot one sees
that for gain 1, the phase is approximately −140○ . This yields a
phase margin of approximately 180○ − 140○ = 40○ .

4.19 The cross-over frequency and phase margin are read to be ω c = 0.07
and ϕ m = 40○ , respectively. The delay margin becomes
π
ϕm 40○ ⋅ 180○
Lm = = = 10
ωc 0.07

99
Solutions to Chapter 5. State Feedback
and Kalman Filtering

5.1 a. From the controllability matrix

  β 
1−β 

Ws =  B AB  = 
 

1 −2

we obtain det Ws = −β − 1, i.e. controllability for all β ,= −1.

b. The observability matrix

   
 C  0 γ 
Wo = 
 =
  

CA 0 −2γ

has zero determinant independent of γ , i.e. the system is not ob-

servable for any value of γ .

5.2 The controllability matrix is given by

 
   4 −8 16 
 
A2 B  = 
 
Ws =  B AB  −2 4 −8 
 

 
1 −2 4

The controllable states are described by the vector (4, −2, 1)T .

5.3    
 C   1 1 
Wo = 
 =
  

CA −1 −1
We see that Wo is singular (det Wo = 0). The state x is non-observable
if and only if (iff)
Wo x = 0
We obtain a non-observable x iff x1 + x2 = 0. The non-observable
states are thus given by
 
 1 
x =α  

−1
where α is a number ,= 0.

5.4 The controllability matrix

   1 −1 
 
Ws =  B AB  = 
 

0 0

is singular, yielding an uncontrollable system. We can, however, con-

duct a more detailed investigation. The system can be written

dx1

 = − x1 + u, x1 (0) = 1
dt
 dx2 = −2x ,

x2 (0) = 1
2
dt

100
 Solutions to chapter 5. State Feedback and Kalman Filtering

Hence x2 (t) = x2 (0) e−2t = e−2t , independent of the applied control

signal u. On the contrary, x1 can be controlled by means of u, to
take on any desired value. Thus, x2 → 0 as t → ∞. The states
( x1 , x2 ) which can be reached in finite time t < ∞ make up the
band 0 < x2 < 1 in Figure 5.1.

x2

x1

Figure 5.1 Reachable states in assignment 5.4.

   
 3   10 
As a consequence, only the states 
  and 
   can be reached

0.5 0.1
in finite time.

5.5 a. Controllable, since the controllablity matrix

  1 8 4 2 


Ws =  B AB  =   

2 6 −7 −16
has full rank (i.e. 2 in this case). This can be seen from e.g. the two
first columns forming a non-singular 2 $ 2 matrix.
b. For u2 = 0 we obtain  
1
B=  
2
The system is controllable, since
  1 4 


Ws = B AB  = 
  

2 −7
has full rank.
c. For u1 = −2u2 we obtain
    
1 8 1  −3 
 u1 = B ′ u1
 
Bu = 
 
   u1 = 
  
2 6 −0.5 −1
The system is not controllable, since
   −3 3

′
Ws = B AB  = 
 ′  
 
−1 1
is not of full rank. (The column vectors are parallel.)

101
Solutions to chapter 5. State Feedback and Kalman Filtering

5.6 a.    5 −10 
 
Ws =  B AB  = 
 

0 0
Ws has rank 1, i.e. the system is not controllable. The states which
can be reached in finite time from the origin are determined by the
columns of Ws . The controllable states can be parametrized by t as
x = t ⋅ (1 0)T .

b. G (s) = C(sI − A)− 1B + D = 5/(s + 2).

c. The following is a minimal state space representation of G (s)

(
ẋ = −2x + 5u
y= x

5.7 a. True. Since the system is controllable, one can place the poles of the
closed loop system arbitrarily by means of linear feedback from all
state variables.

b. False. A linear state feedback does not affect the zeros of the closed
loop system.

c. True if the system is observable.

d. True if the system is observable.

5.8 The closed loop system becomes

(
ẋ = ( A − B L) x + Blr r
y = Cx

The characteristic equation is thus

det(sI − A + B L) = s2 + (3 + l1 + 2l2 )s + 2(1 + l1 + l2 ) = 0

We need (s + 4)2 = s2 + 8s + 16 = 0. Identification of coefficients

yields l1 = 9, l2 = −2. The closed loop transfer function is G (s) =
C(sI − A + B L)−1 Blr . The stationary gain is G (0) is unity if

lr
G (0) = C(− A + B L)−1 Blr = =1
4

yielding lr = 4.

5.9 a. The characteristic polynomial of the closed loop system is given by

 
 s + 0.5 + 3l1 3l2 
det(sI − ( A − B L)) =   = s2 + (0.5 + 3l1 )s + 3l2
−1 s 

The desired characteristic polynomial is

(s + 4 + 4i)(s + 4 − 4i) = s2 + 8s + 32

102
 Solutions to chapter 5. State Feedback and Kalman Filtering

Identification of coefficients yields

   
L =  5/2 32/3  =  2.5 10.7 

The closed loop system transfer function is G yr (s) = C(sI − A +

B L)−1 Blr . The stationary gain is unity if

3
G yr (0) = C(− A + B L)−1 Blr = lr = 1
32
which yields lr = 32/3.

b. According to a rule of thumb, the observer poles shall be chosen 1.5–

2 times faster than the state feedback. Place the poles of the Kalman
filter in e.g. −8, leading to the following characteristic polynomial

(s + 8)(s + 8) = s2 + 16s + 64

The characteristic polynomial of the Kalman filter is given by

 
 s + 0.5 k1 
det(sI − ( A − K C)) = 
  = s2 + (0.5 + k2 )s + 0.5k2 + k1
−1 s + k2 

Identification of coefficients yields

   
 225/4   56.25 
K =  =
  

31/2 15.5

5.10a. From the block diagram we see that

1
X1 = K1 U
s
1
X 2 = K2 X 1
s
1
X3 = X2
s
which gives

ẋ1 = K 1 u
ẋ2 = K 2 x1
ẋ3 = x2
y = x3

In matrix form we get

   
 0 0 0  K1 

 
 
 

ẋ = 

 K 2 0 0 

 x + 

 0 

 u
   
0 1 0 0
 
y = 0 0 1 x

103
Solutions to chapter 5. State Feedback and Kalman Filtering

b. The feedback law is given by

u = ure f − Lx

The closed-loop system becomes

ẋ = Ax + B (ure f − Lx) = ( A − B L) x + Bure f

The poles of the closed-loop system are given by the eigenvalues of

A − B L, i.e., the roots of the closed loop characteristic equation
 
 s + K 1 l1 K 1 l2 K 1 l3 

 

det(sI − ( A − B L)) = det 

 − K2 s 0  

 
0 −1 s
3 2
= s + K 1 l1 s + K 1 K 2 l2 s + K 1 K 2 l3 = 0

The poles of the closed loop system are given by the eigenvalues of
A − B L, i.e. the roots of the closed loop characteristic equation

(s + 0.5)3 = s3 + 1.5s2 + 0.75s + 0.125 = 0

One immediately obtains the solution


 1.5

 l1 =


 K1

 0.75
l2 =

 K1 K2



 0.125
 l3 =

K1 K2

5.11 The augmented system becomes

   
x1     x1     
d 
    A 0  
  B 0

 x2 
 =
 
 x2 
 + u+ 
   r
dt  
  −C 0    0 1
x3 x3
      
 0 1 0   x1   0   0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

=

 0 0 0 



 x2 

 +

 1
 u+

 0r
       
−1 0 0 x3 0 1
| {z } | {z } | {z } | {z }
Ae xe Be Br

 
We seek L e =  l1 l2 l3  such that

det(sI − ( A e − Be L e)) = (s + α )(s2 + 2ζ ω s + ω 2 )

Insertion of A e, Be and L e into the above expression yields

s3 + l2 s2 + l1 s − l3 " s3 + (α + 2ζ ω )s2 + (ω 2 + 2ζ ωα )s + α ω 2

104
 Solutions to chapter 5. State Feedback and Kalman Filtering

Identifications of coefficients now yields

l1 = ω 2 + 2ζ ωα
l2 = α + 2ζ ω
l3 = −α ω 2

 T
5.12 The estimation error x̃ fulfills x̃˙ = ( A− K C) x̃. where K =  k1 k2  .
The characteristic equation of the estimation error becomes

det(sI − ( A − K C)) = s2 + (4 + k2 )s + k1 + 2k2 + 3 = 0

The desired characteristic equation is

(s + 4)2 = s2 + 8s + 16 = 0

Identification of coefficients yields k1 = 5, k2 = 4.

5.13a. The characteristic equation of the closed loop system is given by

 

 s + 4 + l1 3 + l2 
det sI − ( A − B L) = 
  = s2 + (4 + l1 )s + 3 + l2 = 0
−1 s 

The desired characteristic equation is

(s + 4)2 = s2 + 8s + 16 = 0

Which yields l1 = 4 and l2 = 13. The control law becomes

u = −l1 x1 − l2 x2 = −4x1 − 13x2

b. The states shall be estimated by means of a Kalman filter, i.e.

d x̂
= A x̂ + Bu + K ( y − C x̂)
dt
For x̃ we have
d x̃
= ( A − K C) x̃
dt
Determine K such that all eigenvalues of the matrix A − K C are
placed in λ = −6.

det(λ I − A + K C) = λ 2 + (4 + k1 + 3k2 )λ + 3 + 3k1 + 9k2

= (λ + 6)2 = λ 2 + 12λ + 36

Identify the coefficients and solve for k1 and k2 :

( (
4 + k1 + 3k2 = 12 k1 + 3k2 = 8
[
3 + 3k1 + 9k2 = 36 k1 + 3k2 = 11

The system of equations lacks solution, see the comment below.

105
Solutions to chapter 5. State Feedback and Kalman Filtering

c. The states are to be estimated by a Kalman filter, for which the

eigenvalues of A − K C shall be chosen such that

λ 2 + (4 + k1 + 3k2 )λ + 3 + 3k1 + 9k2 = (λ + 3)2 = λ 2 + 6λ + 9

Identifying coefficients and solving for k1 and k2 yields

( (
4 + k1 + 3k2 = 6 k1 + 3k2 = 2
[
3 + 3k1 + 9k2 = 9 k1 + 3k2 = 2

This leaves only one equation, which implies that there exists in-
finitely many solutions, e.g. k1 = 2, k2 = 0 or k1 = 0, k2 = 23 etc.
The drawback of the proposed observer pole placement is that it
yields an estimation slower than the closed loop system. This does
not affect the response to reference changes, which is governed by
the poles of the closed loop system. However, the handling of process
disturbances becomes slower.

Comment
An inspection of the system’s observability shows that
   
 C   1 3 
  
det Wo =  = =0
 C A   −1 −3 

I.e. the system is not observable. The transfer function of the system
is given by

s+3 1
G (s) = C(sI − A)−1 B = =
s2 + 4s + 3 s+1
The eigenvalue −3 corresponds to a non-observable mode. The mode
is, however, controllable, which follows from the canonical control-
lable form realization of the system. The characteristic equation of
A − K C can be written

det(λ I − A + K C) = (λ + 3)(λ + k1 + 3k2 + 1)

This means that the Kalman filter has to estimate the non-observable
mode with its own speed. I.e. (at least) one of the eigenvalues of
A − K C must be placed in −3. This explains the failure to compute
a Kalman filter when the eigenvalues were to be placed in −6 and a
success when they were to be placed in −3. Note that in cases such
as this one, the result is either that there does not exist a solution K
to the Kalman filter problem, or that it exists infinitely many solu-
tions. When the system is observable, there exists a unique solution
K to the Kalman filter.

106
 Solutions to chapter 5. State Feedback and Kalman Filtering

5.14a.  
s −1 
det(sI − ( A − B L)) = det 
  = s2 + l2 s + l1

l1 s + l2
" s2 + 2ζ ω s + ω 2
I.e. l1 = ω 2 , l2 = 2ζ ω . The transfer function from r to y is given by
1
Y= lr R
s2 + l2 s + l1
This transfer function has static gain 1 if

l r = l1 = ω 2

b.  
 s + k1 −1 
det(sI − ( A − K C)) = det 
  = s2 + k1 s + k2

k2 s
" s2 + 2as + a2
which yields k1 = 2a, k2 = a2 .
c. We have
x̂˙ = A x̂ + Bu + K ( y − C x̂) = ( A − B L − K C) x̂ + K y + Blr r
u = − L x̂ + lr r

i.e. a system with inputs r and y and output u.

d.
ẋ = Ax + Bu = Ax − B L x̂ + Blr r
= Ax − B L( x − x̃) + Blr r = ( A − B L) x + B L x̃ + Blr r
x̃˙ = ẋ − x̂˙ = Ax + Bu − A x̂ − Bu − K ( y − C x̂) = ( A − K C) x̃

Thus
      
d  x  A − BL BL   x   Blr 
 
 =
   + 
    r

dt x̃ 0 A− KC x̃ 0
The characteristic equation is given by
  
 A − BL BL 
det sI −  

0 A− KC
= det(sI − ( A − B L)) det(sI − ( A − K C))
  
= s2 + 2ζ ω s + ω 2 s2 + 2as + a2 = 0

e. The transfer function from r to y is given by

   − 1  
 A − BL
 BL Blr 
 
C 0  sI − 
 
 
 =

0 A− KC 0
= C(sI − ( A − B L))−1 Blr

i.e. the same transfer functions when the states are measured di-
rectly rather tan estimated by means of a Kalman filter.

107
Solutions to chapter 5. State Feedback and Kalman Filtering

5.15    
 C  1 0 0

 
  

Wo = 

 CA 
 =

 0 1 0

 2
  
CA 0 0 1
the observability matrix is non-singular (has full rank), i.e. the sys-
tem is observable.
 
det (sI − ( A − K C)) = s3 + k1 s2 + k2 s+ k3 = (s + α ) s2 + 2ζ ω s + ω 2

Identification of coefficients yields k1 = α + 2ζ ω , k1 = ω 2 + 2α ζ ω

and k3 = α ω 2 . The equations of the Kalman filter (the observer)
become
      
 0 1 0   x̂1   k1   0
       
˙x̂ = 

 0 0 1





 x̂2


 +


 k2


 ( y − x̂1 ) +


 1

u


 
         
 
0 0 0 x̂3 k3 0

Note that x̂3 , our estimation of the zero error, is a pure integration
of y − x̂1 .

108
Solutions to Chapter 6. Design methods

6.1 a. The frequency function of the controller is given by

 
1
G R (iω ) = K 1 + i(ω Td − )
ω Ti

The gain and phase shift for a frequency ω are directly obtained
from the gain function A(ω ) and phase function φω of the controller,
respectively.
s
1
A(ω ) = p G R (iω )p = K 1 + (ω Td − )2
ω Ti
1
φ (ω ) = arg G R (iω ) = arctan(ω Td − )
ω Ti

b. We immediately realize that the gain function A(ω ) has a unique

minimum for Im A(iω ) = 0, which means that

1
ω min = √
Ti Td

At this frequency the gain and phase shift are given by

A(ω min ) = K
φ (ω min ) = 0

Note that the phase shift is negative for ω < ω min (phase lag) and
positive for ω > ω min (phase lead).

6.2 a. The dashed gain curve is identical to the nominal one, except that
it is raised by a factor 4. This is thus the case where K has been
multiplied by 4. Observe that the dashed phase curve is not visible in
the plot since it coincides with the solid phase curve. The dotted gain
curve differs from the nominal (solid) curve at low frequencies, for
which it is lower. This indicates that Ti has been increased, resulting
in decreased low frequency gain. Also note that the phase curve
has been raised for low frequencies. The last (dash-dotted) curve
apparently corresponds to the case where Td has been increased.
This is further indicated by the factor 4 raise of the gain curve for
high frequencies. Also for this case, one can notice a certain increase
in the phase, although for somewhat higher frequencies.
The dashed step response is faster and less damped than the nom-
inal (solid) one. This is a characteristic sign of an increased gain
K . The corresponding Bode plot confirmingly shows that the cut-
off frequency, ω c , has increased (faster), while the phase margin
has decreased (less damped. The dotted step response features a
slow mode both in the reference- and load disturbance responses.
Observe the relatively fast increase in the reference response to ap-
proximately 0.8, followed by a slow convergence to 1. This must be

109
Solutions to chapter 6. Design methods

due to decreased integral action. The integral time Ti has thus in-
creased in this case. The corresponding Bode plot shows that ω c is
virtually unchanged. This is seen in the step response by the fact
that the first part has approximately the same speed as the nomi-
nal case, whereas the following slow settling is due to the decreased
low frequency gain. The last (dash-dotted) step response obviously
corresponds to an increase of the derivative time Td . The reference
response is subject to an fast initial increase, followed by a some-
what slower settling. This is seen in the Bode plot by the fact that
the high frequency gain has increased, while the low frequency gain
has remained unchanged. The load response is somewhat slower and
more damped than in the nominal case.
b. The dashed gain curve is lowered by a factor 2 in comparison to the
nominal one, corresponding to a decreased value of K . The dashed
phase curve consequently coincides with the nominal (solid) case.
The dotted gain curve has been increased for low frequencies, i.e. Ti
has decreased. The dash-dotted gain curve has been lowered at high
frequencies, i.e. Td has decreased.
The dashed step response is slower and more damped than the nom-
inal one. This indicates that K has decreased, since neither a de-
crease in Ti nor Td would yield a more damped step response. This
is further confirmed by the Bode plot. The only case where ω c has
decreased is when K has decreased. It is also the only case for which
the phase margin has increased. The two remaining step responses
are both less damped than the nominal one. In order to determine
which of these corresponds to a decrease of Ti , we look at the corre-
sponding Bode plot (the dotted one). This shows that the cutoff fre-
quency ω c has increased somewhat compared to the other nominal
case. The dash-dotted Bode plot, however, shows that the decrease
of Td has not changed ω c . The dotted step response is initially some-
what faster than the nominal (solid) one, whereas the dash-dotted
one is initially approximately as fast as the nominal one. This im-
plies that the dotted step response corresponds to a decrease in Ti ,
while the dash-dotted one corresponds to a decrease in Td .

6.3 The transfer function of the process is given by

C
GP =
Js + D
and the transfer function of the PI controller is given by
 
1
GR = K 1 +
sTi
We can now write down the closed loop transfer function Gcl as
GR GP
Gcl =
1 + GR GP
The characteristic polynomial is the denominator of Gcl
D + CK CK
s2 + s+
J JTi

110
 Solutions to chapter 6. Design methods

and the desired characteristic polynomial is

s2 + 2ζ ω s + ω 2

Identification of coefficients yields


 2ζ ω J − D
K =

C

 2ζ ω J − D
Ti =
ω 2J

6.4 The transfer function of the process, G p , is given by

ki
Θ = GP I = I
Js2 + Ds
and the transfer function of the PID controller, G R , is given by
 
1
I = G R (Θ re f − Θ) = K 1 + + sTd (Θ re f − Θ)
sTi

where Θ re f is the Laplace transform of the reference value of θ . The

transfer function of the closed loop system, G, is thus given by

GR GP
Θ = G Θ re f = Θ re f
1 + GR GP

The characteristic polynomial is given by the denominator of G and

is
D + K ki Td 2 K ki K ki
s3 + s + s+
J J JTi
We hence arrive at the polynomial equation

(s + α )(s2 + 2ζ ω s + ω 2 ) = s3 + (α + 2ζ ω )s2 + (2α ζ ω + ω 2 )s + α ω 2

Identification of coefficients yields the equations


D + K ki Td


 = α + 2ζ ω


 J
Kk
= 2α ζ ω + ω 2
i

 J

 K ki
= αω 2



JTi

from which one can calculate the sought controller parameters


J
 K = (2α ζ ω + ω 2 )




 ki

2ζ 1
Ti = +


 ω α


 α + 2ζ ω − D/J
Td =
2α ζ ω + ω 2

111
Solutions to chapter 6. Design methods

6.5 a. The transfer function of the controller is

1 1 s+1
Gr (s) = K (1 + ) = (1 + ) =
sTi s s

The low frequency asymptote becomes

1
Gr (s) (
s

I.e. the gain curve is a straight line with slope = -1 and arg Gr (iω ) =
−90○ . The slope of the gain curve increases to 0 at the corner fre-
quency ω 1 = 1.
The high frequency asymptote is Gr (s) ( 1 with p Gr (iω )p = 1, i.e.
slope = 0 and arg Gr (iω ) = 0. The corresponding Bode plot is shown
in Figure 6.1.

Figure 6.1 Bode plot of a PI controller with K = 1 and Ti = 1.

b. The transfer function of the controller is

Gr (s) = K (1 + Td s) = 1 + s

The low frequency asymptote becomes Gr (s) ( 1, i.e. the gain curve
is a straight line with magnitude 1 and slope = 0 and the phase
curve is described by arg Gr (iω ) = 0○ . The slope of the gain curve
increased to +1 at the corner frequency ω 1 = 1.
The high frequency asymptote is given by Gr (s) ( s, i.e. the slope of
the gain curve is +1 and the phase curve is described by arg Gr (iω ) =
+90○ . The corresponding Bode plot is shown in Figure 6.2.

6.6 With the Ziegler-Nichols frequency method, an oscillation is gener-

ated at the frequency ω 0 , where the phase shift of the process is
−180○ . This frequency is given by

−2 arctan 20ω 0 − 9ω 0 = −π

Numerical solution gives ω 0 ( 0.1 rad/s.

112
 Solutions to chapter 6. Design methods

Figure 6.2 Bode plot of a PD controller with K = 1 and Td = 1.

The process gain at ω 0 is

1
= 0.2
1 + 202ω 02

The critical gain K c becomes

1
Kc = =5
0.2
and the period time is
2π
To = = 63
ωo
The controller parameters become
(
K = 0.45K c = 2.25
Ti = To /1.2 = 53

6.7 a. Laplace transform of Martins dynamics give

1 1
sX = − X + U
30 15
Y=X

and the transfer function Y = G P U becomes

2
GP =
30s + 1
The process is controlled by a PI controller, U = G R ( R − Y ) where

1 Ti s + 1
G R = K (1 + )= K
Ti s Ti s

113
Solutions to chapter 6. Design methods

The controller parameters K and Ti should be chosen such that the

closed loop transfer function Y = Gcl R has its poles in −0.1. The
transfer function from R to Y is
i s+ 1 2
GP GR K TT i s 30s+1
K (Ti s + 1)2
Gcl = = 1
=
1 + GP GR T s +
1 + K Ti s 30s+1
i 2 Ti s(30s + 1) + K (Ti s + 1)2

where the denominator polynomial has the same roots as

2K + 1 K
s2 + s+
30 Ti 15

These roots should be −0.1, i.e., the same as for

(s + 0.1)2 = s2 + 0.2s + 0.01

This is true if the coefficients for the polynomials are equal, i.e.,

2K + 1
= 0.2
30
K
= 0.01
Ti 15

The controller parameters thus become

K = 2.5
Ti = 16.7

b. When using Ziegler-Nichols frequency method, an experiment is per-

formed using feedback with a P controller. The gain is increased
until the system starts oscillating (stability boundary). The Bode
diagram of the process can be thought of as the Bode diagram for
the loop transfer function, when the controller is a P controller with
a gain of 1. When the gain is increased, the gain curve in the Bode
diagram will move upwards, whereas the phase will remain unaf-
fected. The system will start to oscillate when the phase margin be-
comes 0. In the figure it can be seen that this will happen when the
cutoff frequency is 0.3 rad/s, since the phase curve crosses −180○ at
this frequency. This is the resonant frequency, with which the sys-
tem will oscillate. For this frequency, the gain is equal to 0.2. Thus,
a gain of 5 is needed in order for the system to start oscillating with
the resonant frequency. According to the collection of formulae, we
have
K = 0.45K 0
Ti = T0 /1.2
where K 0 is the gain and T0 the period time of the oscillation. With

K0 = 5
2π
T0 = = 20.9
0.3
we get the controller parameters K = 2.25 and Ti = 17.4.

114
 Solutions to chapter 6. Design methods

6.8 Ziegler-Nichols step response method: With the customary notion

we obtain a = 0.3 and b = 0.8. The controller parameters become
K = 1.2/a = 4, Ti = 2b = 1.6 and Td = b/2 = 0.4.
Ziegler-Nichols frequency method: The Nyquist curve intersects the
negative real axis in −1/3 for ω = 1 rad/s, which yields To =
2π /ω = 2π and K c = 3. The controller parameters become K =
0.6K c = 1.8, Ti = To /2 = 3.1 and Td = To /8 = 0.8.
The Lambda method: By drawing the tangent to the step response,
an approximation of the dead time is obtained, L ( 0.8s. The step
response has reached 63% of its final value after approximately 2.6s.
The time constant thus becomes T = 2.6 − 0.8 = 1.8s. The static gain
is K P = 1. With λ = T, we get the PI controller parameters
1 T
K = ( 0.7
Kp L + λ
Ti = T = 1.8s

For a PID controller, we get the parameters

1 L/2 + T
K = =1
K p L/2 + λ
Ti = T + L/2 = 2.2s
TL
Td = = 0.33s
L + 2T
6.9 a. The step response of the system is shown in Figure 6.3.

Figure 6.3 Step response of G (s) = e−s /(s + 1).

From the figure we obtain (with the customary notion) a = b = 1.

This yields the controller parameters K = 1.2/a = 1.2, Ti = 2b = 2
and Td = b/2 = 0.5.

b. The resonance frequency is determined by arg G (iω ) = − arctan ω −

ω = −π . Numerical solution yields ω ( 2.03, resulting in T =
2π /ω = 3.1.
Further, K c = 1/p G (iω c )p = 2.26, which gives K = 1.4, Ti = 1.5 and
Td = 0.39.

115
Solutions to chapter 6. Design methods

c. From the step response in subproblem a, we get the process param-

eters K P = 1, L = 1 and T = 1. This gives the controller parameters
1 L/2 + T
K = =1
K p L/2 + λ
Ti = T + L/2 = 1.5
TL
Td = ( 0.33
L + 2T

6.10a. The figure does not allow for any greater precision. Draw the tan-
gent of the step response where the derivative attains a maximum
and study the intersection of the tangent and the two coordinate
axis. The parameter a is given by the distance between 0 and the
intersection with the vertical axis, whereas b is given by the dis-
tance between 0 and the intersection with the horizontal axis. In
our example we have a = 0.65 and b = 4. From the table we obtain
the following controller parameters: K = 1.9, Ti = 8 and Td = 2.
b. The critical gain K c is the gain which causes the Nyquist curve to
pass through -1. In our case we have K c = 1/0.55 = 1.8. The critical
period T0 corresponds to the frequency at ’o’, i.e. T0 = 2π /ω = 14.6.
This yields the controller parameters: K = 1.1, Ti = 7.3 and Td =
1.8.
c. The value of K obtained from the last method is smaller than the
values obtained through Ziegler-Nichol’s methods.

6.11 Generally it is required that p G2 (iω c )p > 1 in order for ω c to increase.

A The speed of the system increases, but simultaneously its stability
is reduced since the phase margin decreases.
B p G2 p < 1 for all ω , resulting in decreased cross-over frequency and
speed.
C Cf. B.
D p G2 p = 1 for all ω , leaving the cross-over frequency unaffected.

6.12 The process is connected in a feedback loop with a proportional con-

troller. By adding a compensation link one wants to decrease the
ramp error of the compensated system by a factor 10. Simultane-
ously, a small decrease in stability (phase margin) is accepted, re-
sulting in a certain decrease of the system’s transient behavior.
We can affect the ramp error by introducing a phase lag compensa-
tion link
s+a
G k (s) = M
sM + a
The resulting ramp error becomes
1 1
lim e(t) = lim sE(s) = lim s ⋅ ⋅
t→∞ s→0 s→0 1 + G k (s) G P (s) s2
(sM + a)(s + 1)(s + 2) 2
= lim =
s→0 s(sM + a)(s + 1)(s + 2) + K M (s + a) KM

116
 Solutions to chapter 6. Design methods

By choosing M = 10 ( K = 1) the ramp error is reduced to 0.2.

Now it remains to decide a value for a. The phase lag link con-
tributes to a phase lag in the √open loop. The phase lag is largest
around the frequency ω = a/ M . In order not to compound the
transient behavior of the closed loop system excessively, a must be
chosen such that the phase around the cross-over frequency is left
unaffected. This can be achieved by choosing a adequately small.
However, a overly small value of a results in a long time before the
ramp error decreases to 0.2. Let ω c denote the cross-over frequency
of the uncompensated system. At this frequency, the compensation
link has a phase contribution

ωc Mω c
arg G k (iω c ) = arctan − arctan
a a

A simple rule of thumb is to choose a = 0.1ω c . In our example it

means that the compensation link contributes with a phase shift of

arg G k (iω c ) = arctan 10 − arctan 100 ( −5.1○

The crossover frequency may be determined numerically according

to
1
p G P (iω c )p = p p =1
ω c 1 + ω 2c 4 + ω 2c
which gives ω c ( 0.4-
The compensation link thus becomes

s + 0.04 s + 0.04
G k (s) = 10 =
10s + 0.04 s + 0.004

In Figure 6.4 Bode plots for both the uncompensated open loop sys-
tem K G P (s) and the compensated open loop system K G k (s) G P (s)
are shown.
The compensation link alters the transient behavior of the system.
Figure 6.5 shows how the overshoot of the step response has in-
creased, compared to the uncompensated system. Also the settling
time has increased, partly due to the slow mode in the compensa-
tion link. The purpose of introducing the compensation link was to
decrease the ramp error. Figure 6.6 shows the error e = r − y for
both the uncompensated and compensated systems, with r = t.
As seen from the figure, the compensated system fulfills the crite-
rion of a ramp error less than 0.2.

6.13 Use a phase lag compensation link

s+b
G k (s) = K N
s + bN

The crossover frequency ω c of the uncompensated system can be

read from the Bode plot in Figure 6.7. One can also determine ω c

117
Solutions to chapter 6. Design methods

Figure 6.4 Bode plot of the uncompensated open loop system (solid line) and
compensated open loop system (dash-dotted line) in assignment 6.12. K = 1 for
both cases.

Figure 6.5 Step responses of the uncompensated closed loop system (solid line)
and the compensated closed loop system (dashed line) in assignment 6.12.

from the equation

1.1
p G P (iω c )p = p =1
ω c ω 2c + 1

This yields ω c = 0.84. The new cross-over frequency is chosen to

be ω ∗c = 1.68. The phase shift of the uncompensated system at the
frequency ω c is

arg G P (iω c ) = −90o − arctan(0.84) = −130o

In order not to decrease the phase margin, it must hold that

arg( G k (iω ∗c ) G P (iω ∗c )) ≥ arg G P (iω c )

118
 Solutions to chapter 6. Design methods

Figure 6.6 Ramp error of the uncompensated system (solid line) as well as the
compensated system (dashed line) in assignment 6.12.

Figure 6.7 Bode plot of the uncompensated open loop system (solid line) as well
as the compensated open loop system (dash-dotted line) in assignment 6.13.

We have

arg G P (iω ∗c ) = −90o − arctan(1.68) = −149o

For the compensation link it must hence hold that

arg G k (iω ∗c ) ≥ 19o

From the collection of formulae we find that N = 2 is adequate.

The
√ compensation link has its maximal phase shift at the frequency
b N. This shall occur at the new cross-over frequency, i.e.
√ ω∗
ω ∗c = b N [ b = √ c = 1.2
N

119
Solutions to chapter 6. Design methods

Now choose K such that ω ∗c becomes

√ the actual cross-over frequency
(observe that p G k (iω ∗c )p = K N )

p G k (iω ∗c ) G P (iω ∗c )p = 1 [ K = 2.1

We thus obtain the compensation link

s + 1.2
G k (s) = 4.2
s + 2.4

Figure 6.7 shows the Bode plot of the uncompensated open loop sys-
tem G P (s) as well as the compensated open loop system G k (s) G P (s).
Figure 6.8 shows the step responses of the uncompensated and com-
pensated systems.

Figure 6.8 Step response of the uncompensated closed loop system (solid line)
as well as the compensated closed loop system (dashed line) in assignment 6.13.

6.14 We choose a phase lead link

s+b
G k (s) = K K ⋅ N
s + bN

The specification implies that the low frequency gain shall not de-
crease (which would increase the stationary error). The cross-over
frequency shall increase by a factor 3 and the phase margin shall
remain unchanged.
The open loop transfer function is

s+b 1
G0 (s) = G k (s) G1 (s) = K K ⋅ N ⋅
s + bN s(s + 1)(s + 2)

The Bode plot of G1 is presented in Figure 6.9. From this, or from

numerical calculations, the cross-over frequency is determined to
ω c = 0.45 rad/s and the phase margin is ϕ m = 53○ . The new cross-
over frequency shall thus be ω ∗c = 3 ⋅ω c = 1.35 rad/s with unchanged
phase margin. Since arg G1 (iω ∗c ) ( −180○ , the phase curve must be
raised approximately 50○ by G k .

120
 Solutions to chapter 6. Design methods

Figure 6.9 Bode plot of the uncompensated system G1 (solid line) and compen-
sated system G k G1 (dash-dotted line) in assignment 6.14.

From the collection of formulae it is obtained that N = 8 gives a

maximal phase lead of √approximately 50○ . The phase lead is maxi-
mal at the frequency b N = ω ∗c , yielding b = 0.48. The gain shall
be unity at the new cross-over frequency ω ∗c , i.e.

p G k (iω ∗c )p ⋅ p G1 (iω ∗c )p = 1
√
The magnitude of the compensator is p G k (iω ∗c )p = K K N. Numeri-
cal calculations give p G1 (iω ∗c )p = 0.183. Hence

1
KK = √ = 1.9
N ⋅ 0.183
The step response of the uncompensated and compensated systems,
respectively, are shown in Figure 6.10 and the ramp response is
shown in Figure 6.11. Since K K > 1 the stationary errors become
smaller than before, thus fulfilling the specifications.

6.15 From the Bode plot of Go (s) (see Figure 6.12) we obtain φ m = 20○
and ω c = 0.7 rad/s. Unchanged speed necessitates a compensation
link which does not affect the cross-over frequency. We hence need a
phase lead of ∆φ m = 30○ at ω = ω c = 0.7 rad/s. We utilize a phase
lead compensation link

s+b
G k (s) = K N
s + bN
1. The sample curves in the collection of formulae yield N = 3.
√ 0.7
2. b N = ω c [ b = √ 3
= 0.40
√ 1
3. p G k (iω c ) Go (iω c )p = K N ⋅ 1 gives K = √ = 0.58
N

121
Solutions to chapter 6. Design methods

Figure 6.10 The step response of the uncompensated closed loop system (solid
line) as well as the compensated closed loop system (dashed line) in assign-
ment 6.14.

Figure 6.11 The ramp response of the uncompensated system (solid line) as well
as the compensated system (dashed line) in assignment 6.14.

The compensation link thus becomes

s + 0.4
G k (s) = 0.58 ⋅ 3
s + 1.2

Finally, we calculate the resulting stationary error

1 s(s + 0.5)(s + 3)(s + bN )

E(s) = R(s) = R(s)
1 + G k Go s(s + 0.5)(s + 3)(s + bN ) + 2K N (s + b)

With R(s) = 1/s2 the stationary ramp error becomes

1.5
lim sE(s) = = 1.29
s→0 2K

which fulfills the specification. Figure 6.13 shows the step response
of the system before and after the compensation. The ramp error is
shown in Figure 6.14. The fact that the ramp error is increased by
the compensation is due to K < 1.

122
 Solutions to chapter 6. Design methods

Figure 6.12 Bode plot of Go (s) in assignment 6.15.

y(t)

Figure 6.13 Step response of the uncompensated closed loop system (solid line)
and compensated system (dashed line) in assignment 6.15.

6.16 We know that a phase lag compensation link dimensioned according

to the rules of thumb will decrease the phase margin by approxi-
mately 6○ , which yields a certain decrease of stability. In order not
to obtain an excessive overshoot, we start by decreasing the gain of
the process in order to increase the phase margin.
From the Bode plot of the process (see Figure 6.15) we find that G −1
has a phase shift of −133○ at the cross-over frequency ω c = 0.7. At
the frequency ω ∗c = 0.6 we have the phase shift −133○ + 6○ = −127○
and the gain p G1 (ω ∗c )p = 1.2.
By decreasing the open loop gain by a factor 1.2 we obtain the new
cross-over frequency ω ∗c and a phase margin increase of 6○ . Since
we cannot affect the process gain directly, we equivalently let K =

123
Solutions to chapter 6. Design methods

ramp error e(t)

Figure 6.14 Ramp error of the uncompensated closed loop system (solid line) as
well as the compensated closed loop system (dashed line) in assignment 6.15.

Figure 6.15 Bode plot of the uncompensated open loop system (solid line) as well
as the compensated open loop system (dash-dotted line) in assignment 6.16.

1/1.2 = 0.83 in the compensation link.

The main problem is to decrease the stationary ramp error to e1 ≤
0.1. The final value theorem gives
1
e(∞) = lim sU (s) =
s→0 1 + G k (s) G1 (s)
1 (s + a/ M )s(s2 + 2s + 2) 2
= lim s 2 2
= ≤ 0.1
s→0 s (s + a/ M )s(s + 2s + 2) + 1.5K (s + a) 1.5K M
which yields M ≥ 16. Choose M = 16. According to the rule of
thumb we let a = 0.1ω ∗c = 0.06. The chosen compensation link thus
becomes
s + 0.06
G k (s) = 0.83
s + 0.00375

124
 Solutions to chapter 6. Design methods

Figure 6.16 shows the step response before and after the compensa-
tion. The ramp errors of the uncompensated closed loop system and

Figure 6.16 Step response of the uncompensated closed loop system (solid line)
as well as the compensated closed loop system (dashed line) in assignment 6.16.

the compensated closed loop system are shown in Figure 6.17.

Figure 6.17 Ramp error of the uncompensated closed loop system (solid line) as
well as the compensated closed loop system (dashed line) in assignment 6.16.

Comment:
Since we have decreased the open loop gain we obtain a decreased
cross-over frequency and hence a somewhat slower system. In Fig-
ure 6.16 one especially notes the slow mode which appears as the
process settles. It is caused by the slow pole of the controller in com-
bination with the low gain. The rise time and damping are, however,
virtually unaffected. An alternative to decreasing the open loop gain,
in order to maintain the desired phase margin, would be to introduce
a phase lead compensation link.

125
Solutions to Chapter 7. Controller
Structures

7.1 The disturbance d does obviously lack influence if

1
G1 (s) H (s) + 1 = 0 \ H (s) = −
G1 (s)

To be a practically useful control law it is required that the distur-

bance can be measured, that the model G1 (s) of the heating system
is a "good" description of reality and that the inverse transfer func-
tion 1/ G1 (s) is practically realizable. This means that H (s) must not
contain derivatives of the signal d. The realization of H (s) can also
be problematic if G1 (s) lacks a stable inverse (i.e. if G1 (s) has right
half plane zeros, which is equivalent to being a non-minimum phase
system). Further, we cannot invert processes with low pass charac-
teristics more than at low frequencies and delays can obviously not
be inverted.

7.2 A block diagram for the system is shown in Figure 7.1. Mass balance
feedforward
v
G
F

−1

h P controller valve tank h

ref x
Σ K Σ G Σ G
V T

−1

Figure 7.1 Block diagram of the level controlling system in assignment 7.2.

for the tank yields

dh
A = x(t) − v(t)
dt
Laplace transformation gives ( A = 1 m2 )

1
H (s) = ( X (s) − V (s))
s
The transfer function of the tank is thus
1
GT (s) =
s

a. The closed loop transfer function becomes

GT G V K K
G (s) = = 2
1 + GT G V K 0.5s + s + K

126
 Solutions to chapter 7. Controller Structures

The characteristic polynomial is hence

s2 + 2s + 2K

The desired characteristic polynomial is

(s + ω )2 = s2 + 2ω s + ω 2

Identification of coefficients yields


ω = 1
K = 1
2
The transfer function form v(t) to h(t) is given by

GT 1 + 0.5s
H (s) = − V (s) = − V (s)
1 + GT G V K s(1 + 0.5s) + K

If v(t) is a step of amplitude 0.1 we obtain V (s) = 0.1/s. The final

value theorem gives

0.1
h(∞) = lim sH (s) = −
s→0 K
given that the limit exists and that the final value theorem is ap-
plicable.

b. A PI controller has the transfer function

1
G R (s) = K (1 + )
sTi

The closed loop transfer function becomes

GT G V G R K (1 + sTi )
G (s) = =
1 + GT G V G R s(1 + 0.5s)sTi + K (1 + sTi )

The characteristic polynomial becomes

2K
s3 + 2s2 + 2K s +
Ti

The desired characteristic polynomial is

(s + ω )3 = s3 + 3ω s2 + 3ω 2 s + ω 3

Identification of coefficients yields

2


ω=


 3


2
K =


 3


 9
 Ti =
2

127
Solutions to chapter 7. Controller Structures

c. The relation between the flow disturbance v and the level h is given
by
GT ( G V G F − 1)
H (s) = V (s)
1 + GT G V G R
To eliminate the influence of v, we choose

1
G F (s) = = 1 + 0.5s
GV

7.3 The closed loop system has the transfer function

(GR + K f )GP ( K + K f )s + K /Ti

= 2
1 + GP GR s + (3 + K )s + K /Ti

a. The characteristic equation of the closed loop system is

s2 + (3 + K )s + K /Ti = 0

The desired characteristic equation is

(s + 2 − 2i)(s + 2 + 2i) = s2 + 4s + 8 = 0

Identification of coefficients yields K = 1 and Ti = 1/8.

b. The feedforward K f affects the zeros of the closed loop system, but
leaves the poles unaffected. The poles can be placed by means of
the controller H in order to obtain adequate supression of distur-
bances, cf. sub-assignment a above. One can subsequently translate
the zeros by means of K f in order to e.g. reach a desired over-
shoot in the reference step responses. The zero of the closed loop
system is eliminated by choosing K f = − K . With the pole place-
ment in√sub-assignment a, which corresponds to a relative damping
ζ = 1/ 2 ( 0.7, the overshoot of the closed loop system becomes
approximately 5%.

7.4 The block diagram in assignment 7.3 can be re-drawn according to

Figure 7.2. By comparing to the block diagram in assignment 7.3 we
see that H f f = H + K f and H f b = H. Observe that manipulation
of K f offers the possibility to neutralize the derivation in H, i.e.
achieve a controller which derivates the output, but not the reference
value.

7.5 The system has three inputs: the reference yr and the two distur-
bances v1 and v2 . The transfer functions between these three signals
and the output y are given by

G1 G2 G R1 G R2 G1 G2
Y= Yr + V1
1 + G1 G R1 + G1 G2 G R1 G R2 1 + G1 G R1 + G1 G2 G R1 G R2
(1 + G1 G R1 ) G2
+ V2
1 + G1 G R1 + G1 G2 G R1 G R2

128
 Solutions to chapter 7. Controller Structures

Kf

Yr H + + G(s)

H –1

Figure 7.2 Modified block diagram in assignment 7.3.

Let us call the three transfer functions G yr , Gv1 and Gv2 , respec-
tively. Ideally we would have G yr = 1 and Gv1 = Gv2 = 0 for all
frequencies. This is, however, not achievable. Nonetheless, we can
assure that it holds in stationarity, i.e. for s = 0. For a P controller
we have G R (0) = K , where K is the gain of the controller. For a PI
controller it holds that G R (0) = ∞.
The transfer function G yr becomes unity if G R2 is a PI controller.
The transfer function Gv1 becomes 0 if any of the controllers are
PI. The transfer function Gv2 , however, is only zero if G R2 is a PI
controller.
Consequently G R2 must contain an integral part in order to guaran-
tee 0 stationary control error. The controller G R1 can then be chosen
to be a P controller. (If we furthermore want the internal signal y1
to coincide with its reference, also this controller would need an
integral part.)

7.6 a. The closed loop transfer function is given by

K 1 G1 (s) 2K 1
Ginner (s) = =
1 + K 1 G1 (s) s + 2 + 2K 1

In order to make the system 5 times as fast, the pole of the closed
loop system must be placed in s = −10, calling for K 1 = 4.

b. The approximation Ginner (s) ( Ginner (0) = 0.8 yields

G R2 (s) G2 (s) Ginner (0) ( K 2 s + KTi2 )0.8

Gouter (s) = =
1 + G R2 (s) G2 (s) Ginner (0) s2 + 0.8K 2 s + 0.8 KTi2

The specification of a system 10 times slower than the inner loop

calls for a pole in s = −1. Since we deal with a second order system,
we choose to locate both poles in s = −1 (somewhat slower than the
single pole case). This yields K 2 = 2.5 and Ti = 2.

129
Solutions to chapter 7. Controller Structures

Comment. A general rule when cascading controllers is to make the inner

loop 5–10 times faster than the outer loop in order to enable separation of
the controller calculations for the two loops. The actual closed loop system
(without approximations) becomes

10(2s + 1)
Gouter (s) =
s3 + 10s2 + 20s + 10

and has poles in approximately −7.516, −1.702 and −0.7815 where the
slower pole (s = −0.7815) will be the one essentially determining the
speed of the system. This corresponds fairly well to the specified speed.

7.7 a. Since the steam flow is assumed to be constant, we can let F = 0,

which yields the following description of the dome

10−3
Y (s) = M (s)
s

Since the controller is of P type we have M (s) = K ( Yr − Y ), where

Yr denotes the reference dome level. This yields

K
Y (s) = Yr (s)
K + 103 s

Since the system is linear and subject to negative feedback, a step

disturbance in the level gives rise to the same transient behavior
as a step disturbance in the reference. Hence let Yr (s) = 1s . Inverse
transformation of Y (s) yields
−3 t
y(t) = 1 − e− K 10

The specification on the settling time of the system now yields

−2
y(10) = 1 − e− K 10 = 0.9 [ K = 230

b. The dome and P controller are described by

K s − 0.01
Y (s) = Yr (s) + F (s)
K + 1000s (s + 0.1)(1000s + K )
1
Let Yr (s) = 0. A step disturbance in the steam flow F (s) = s thus
gives
s − 0.01 1
Y (s) =
(s + 0.1)(1000s + K ) s
The final value theorem yields

s − 0.01 1 −0.1
lim y(t) = lim sY (s) = lim s =
t→∞ s→0 s→0 (s + 0.1)(1000s + K ) s K

and stationary error becomes

0.1
e = yr − y = − y =
K

130
 Solutions to chapter 7. Controller Structures

c. Determine a feedforward link H (s) from steam flow F (s) to feed

water flow M (s) for the initial system, such that the level Y (s)
becomes independent of changes in the steam flow.
The system with feedforward H (s) F (s) is described by

10−3 s − 0.01
Y (s) = ( M (s) + H (s) F (s)) + 10−3 F (s)
s s(s + 0.1)
 
10−3 10−3 s − 0.01
= M (s) + + H (s) F (s)
s s s + 0.01

We want the influence from F (s) to be zero. Therefore choose H (s)

so that the expression in front of F (s) becomes zero. This criterion
is fulfilled when
s − 0.01
H (s) = −
s + 0.1
which gives the desired feedforward.

7.8 The delay margin is given by

ϕm
Lm =
ωc

First we compute the cross-over frequency ω c as

 
 2  2
p G0 (iω c )p = p G P (iω c ) G R (iω c )p = 
 = p "1
iω c (iω c + 1)  ω c ω 2c + 1
s √
−1 + 17
\ ω 4c + ω 2c −4 = 0 \ ωc = = 1.25
2
Then we calculate the the phase margin ϕ m

π
ϕ m = π + arg G0 (iω c ) = π − − arctan ω c = 0.675
2

We thus obtain L m = ϕ m /ω c = 0.54.

7.9 a. The one second delay e−s is considered part of the process.

Controller G R (s) = K
1
Process G P (s) = e−s
s(s + 1)
1
Model Ĝ P (s) = G P (s) = e−s
s(s + 1)
1
Model without delay Ĝ 0P (s) =
s(s + 1)

b. According to the block diagram the control signal is given by

 
U (s) = G R (s) E(s) + Ĝ P (s) U (s) − Ĝ 0P (s) U (s)

131
Solutions to chapter 7. Controller Structures

1
10

Magnitude 0
10

−1
10
−2 −1 0 1 2
10 10 10 10 10

60

50

40
Phase

30

20

10

−10
−2 −1 0 1 2
10 10 10 10 10
Frequency [rad/s]

Figure 7.3 Bode plot of the Smith predictor.

The transfer function of the controller becomes

G R (s)
U (s) = E(s)
1 − G R (s) Ĝ P (s) + G R (s) Ĝ 0P (s)
2 2s(s + 1)
= E(s) = E(s)
2 2 s(s + 1) + 2 − 2e−s
1− e−s +
s(s + 1) s(s + 1)

The Bode plot of the controller is shown in Figure 7.3. One notes
that the Smith predictor gives a large phase lead at the cross-over
frequency of the initial system.

c.
2s(s + 1) 2s(s + 1)
U (s) = E(s) ( E(s)
s(s + 1) + 2 − 2e−s s(s + 1) + 2 − 2(1 − s)
2(s + 1)
= E(s)
s+3
This is a phase lead link with N = 3.

7.10 The gain curve of the system is given by

k
p G (iω )p =
ω
It is sufficient to read the value of the gain curve at a single fre-
quency in order to determine k. The gain is e.g. 1 at approximately
ω = 4.5. This yields

k
1= \ k = 4.5
4.5

132
 Solutions to chapter 7. Controller Structures

The phase curve of the system is given by

arg G (iω ) = −π /2 − ω L

Now, it is sufficient to read the value of the phase curve at a single

frequency in order to determine L. The phase is e.g. −π at approx-
imately ω = 120. This yields

−π = −π /2 − 120L \ L = 0.013

133
Solutions to Chapter 8. Design Examples

8.1 a. The phase curve for v = 3 knots cuts −180○ at ω o ( 0.03 rad/s. At
this frequency we have p G (i0.03)p ( 2. The gain K must hence be
smaller than 0.5 in order to yield a stable closed loop system.

b. In order to acquire the cross-over frequency ω c and phase margin

ϕ m it is required that
(
p Gr (iω c ) G (iω c )p = 1
arg Gr (iω c ) G (iω c ) = ϕ m − 180○

where Gr (s) = K (1 + TD s). This leads to the equations

 q
 K p G (iω )p 1 + T 2 ω 2 = 1
c D c
arg G (iω ) + arctan T ω = ϕ − 180○
c D c m

With ω c = 0.03 rad/s, ϕ m = 60○ , p G (iω c )p ( 2 and arg G (iω c ) (

−180○ we obtain
 √
tan 60○ 3
Td = 0.03 = 0.03 ( 57.7



1 1

 K = q ( = 0.25

 2
p G (iω )p 1 + T ω 2 2 ⋅ 2
c d c

c. If the speed suddenly increases from 3 to 7 knots, we have to turn

to the dotted Bode-curves in Figure ??. The most drastic change is
that the gain curve has been raised by a factor 20. Additionally, the
phase curve has decreased for frequencies above 0.03 rad/s. This re-
sults in heavily reduced phase- and gain margins. A more thorough
examination shows that this in fact leads to instability of the closed
loop system. This can be seen in the Bode plot in Figure 8.1, which
shows both the nominal case v = 3 knots and the case v = 7 knots.
One way to avoid this problem is to instead choose v = 7 knots
as the nominal case for the calculation of the PD controller. This,
however, means that one has to accept a slower settling time for the
slowest speed v = 3 knots. A better way is to let K and Td depend
on the speed v. This method is known as gain scheduling.

d. The transfer function from β to h can be approximated by

kvv
Ghβ (s) =
s3

From the Bode plot one sees that p Ghβ (i ⋅ 0.1)p ( 0.04 for v = 3 knots
= 3 ⋅ 1.852/3.6 ( 0.5144 ⋅ 3 m/s, which yields

0.13 ⋅ 0.04
kv ( ( 2.6 ⋅ 10−5
3 ⋅ 0.5144

134
 Solutions to chapter 8. Design Examples

10 2

10 1

Magnitude
10 0

10 −1

10 −2

10 −3
10 −3 10 −2 10 −1 10 0

0
0

Phase [deg]
−50
-50

−100
-100

−150
-150

−200
-200
10 −3 10 −2 10 −1 10 0
Frequency [rad/s]

Figure 8.1 Bode plot of the PD compensated open loop system in assignment 8.1.
The solid curves show the case v = 7 knots. Note that the latter case yields an
unstable closed loop system.

e. The characteristic equation of the closed-loop is given by

s3 + K kv v = 0

Since not all coefficients are positive, the closed-loop system is not
asymptotically stable for any value of K . In sub-assignment a it
was concluded through the measured frequency response that the
closed loop system was stable for K < 0.5. The explanation to this
apparent contradiction is found in the Bode plot which was used in
sub-assignment a: The approximation only holds for high frequen-
cies (ω > 0.05). For low gains, such as K < 0.5, the cross-over
frequency ω c < 0.03 lies outside the valid range of the model.
For e.g. ω < 0.03 the Bode plot shows a phase above −180○ while
the simplified model features the phase −270○ for all frequencies.

f. If x = (α̇ , α , h)T and u = β we obtain the state space equations

   
 0 0 0  kv 

 
 
 

ẋ = 

 1 0 0
 x+

 0 u
    
0 v 0 0

With the state feedback u = − Lx + ur the characteristic polynomial

of the closed loop system becomes

p(s) = det(sI − A + B L) = s3 + kv l1 s2 + kv l2 s + kvvl3

the desired characteristic polynomial is

p(s) = (s+γ ω 0 )(s2 +2ζ ω 0 s+ω 02 ) = s3 +(γ +2ζ )ω 0 s2 +(2γ ζ +1)ω 02 s+γ ω 03

135
Solutions to chapter 8. Design Examples

Direct comparison gives


 (γ + 2ζ )ω 0

 l1 =


 kv


 (2γ ζ + 1)ω 02
l2 =

 kv


γ ω 03




 l3 =
kvv

g. Here stationarity means constant height, h = href . This in turns

mean that all derivatives of h must be zero, i.e. α = 0 and α̇ = 0.
When the height has reached its correct value the control signal u =
β must also be zero since the submarine would otherwise continue
to rise. Thus L r is obtained from the equation

0 = L r href − l1 ⋅ 0 − l2 ⋅ 0 − l3 href

For v = 3 knots, we end up with the following result

γ ω 03 γ ω 03 ⋅ γ ω 03 ⋅
L r = l3 = ( (
kvv 2.6 ⋅ 10−5 ⋅ 3 ⋅ 0.5144 4.0 ⋅ 10−5

h. At a momentary disturbance ∆ h = 0.1 m the rudder angle becomes

γ ω 03 0.2ω 03
∆ β = l3 ⋅ ∆ h = ⋅ 0.1 (
vkv 3 ⋅ 0.5144 ⋅ 2.6 ⋅ 10−5
Since ∆ β ≤ 5○ , we must have
  13
5 ⋅ 3 ⋅ 0.5144 ⋅ 2.6 ⋅ 10−5
ω0 ≤ ( 0.1
0.2

8.2 a. The oscillation frequency ω o ( 27 rad/s and critical gain K c ( 3.6

can be read from the Bode plot. The oscillation period is hence To =
2π /ω o ( 0.23. This yields the PID parameters K = 0.6K c ( 2.2,
Ti = To /2 ( 0.12 and Td = To /8 ( 0.03. The step response of the
closed loop system is shown in Figure 8.2. The specifications are
apparently not fulfilled. A PID controller (with filter factor) can
be considered a second order controller with integral action. As a
matter of fact, the specifications can be met, using a more general
second order controller with integral action (see Figure 8.3). If one
tries to interpret it as a PID controller, one would end up with a
negative derivative time Td .
b. In stationarity all derivatives of the states must be zero ẋ = 0. It
hence holds that
(
0 = Ax o + Buo = ( A − B L) x o + B L r yr
yr = yo = Cx o
This yields
1
Lr = −
C( A − B L)−1 B

136
 Solutions to chapter 8. Design Examples

1.6

1.4

1.2

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1

Figure 8.2 The step response with PID control according to Ziegler-Nichols.

1.6

1.4

1.2

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1

Figure 8.3 The step response of the closed loop system with a second order
integrating controller.

c. With x augmented to x e = ( x1 , x2 , x3 , xi )T we obtain

 d1 +d f df k   km ki 

 − J1 J1 − J1f 0 

0 

   J1   
 
     
 dJ f

 d f +d2
− J2
kf
0





 0 

 
 0 

ẋ e = 
 2 J2  x e + 
 
 u + 




 yr


 1 −1 0 0





 0 

 

 0 



  
 
  

0 kω 2 0 0
 0 −1
 
y =  0 kω 2 0 0  xe

where the reference yr has been introduces as an extra input.

d. The approximate value of ω m becomes

ln 0.02
ωm ( − ( 20
0.5 ⋅ 0.38

137
Solutions to chapter 8. Design Examples

e. When it comes to load disturbances, the fast Kalman filter (ω o = 40)

has the best performance. It is also best when it comes to suppress-
ing the influence of of measurement noise. However, it is the worst
choice when it comes to suppressing the influence of noise in the
control signal. The two cases ω o = 10 and ω o = 20 feature approx-
imately the same noise sensitivity, while ω o = 10 is slower when
it comes to eliminating load disturbances. A satiable choice is thus
ω o = 20.

138
Solutions to Chapter 9. Interactive
Comparison Between Model
Descriptions

9.1
a. The amplitude of the step response is affected, but not the time
constant. The pole is not affected. The Nyquist diagram keeps its
shape, but each point on the curve moves radially from the origin.
In the Bode diagram, the gain curve changes in the y direction while
the phase curve is unchanged.
Since the control signal is a unit step, K is given by the stationary
value of the measurement signal in the step response. In the Nyquist
diagram, K is given from the starting point on the positive real axis.
In the Bode diagram, K is given from the gain curve where ω → ∞.
b. The amplitude of the step response is not affected, but the time
constant is given by T. The pole is in s = −1/T, which means that
a large time constant gives a pole close to the origin, whereas a
short time constant gives a pole far away from the origin. In the
Bode diagram, the corner frequencty is 1/T, and it thereby varies
when T varies. No change is visible in the Nyquist diagram, but the
frequency varies along the curve.
Suppose that we have two processes with different values of T. Then,
we can always find two frequencies such that
K K
G (iω 1 T1 ) = = G (iω 2 T2 ) =
1 + iω 1 T1 1 + iω 2 T2
i.e., all points that are on the first Nyquist curve are also on the
second one, but at another frequency.
c. A variation in L corresponds to a translational movement of the
step response. We can not represent a dead time in a singularity
diagram. The gain curve in the Bode diagram is not affected, since
p e−iω L p = 1, but the phase is reduced. For each frequency point in
the Nyquist diagram, the distance to the origin remains unchanged,
but the phase decreases. Since the phase goes towards −∞ when
ω → ∞, the Nyquist curve has the spiral shape.

9.2
a. The changes are the same as in problem 1a.
b. The changes are analogous to the ones in problem 1b. When T1 ≫
T2 , the step response is similar to the one in problem 1a, with T (
T1 . The Bode and Nyquist diagrams are also similar to the ones
in problem 1a for low frequencies. Thus, you can in many cases
approximate the transfer function by
K K
G (s) = (
(1 + sT1 )(1 + sT2 ) (1 + sT1 )

139
Solutions to chapter 9. Interactive Comparison Between Model Descriptions

c. If the zero is far away from the origin, the representations are not
significantly affected. If the zero is negative and is close to the ori-
gin, there is a large overshoot in the step response. If the zero is
positive and close to the origin, the step response will initially go
in the wrong direction. If the zero is positive it will give a positive
contribution to the phase.
When T3 < 0, e.g., when the zero is in the right half plane, the
process is hard to control. You can imagine that it is hard for a con-
troller to act in the right way when a control signal change makes
the measurement signal go in the wrong direction initially. The phe-
nomenon could be understood by writing the transfer function in the
following way

K (1 + sT3 ) K sK T3
G (s) = = +
(1 + sT1 )(1 + sT2 ) (1 + sT1 )(1 + sT2 ) (1 + sT1 )(1 + sT2 )

Thus, the transfer function consists of two terms, one that is the
transfer function that we had in problem 2a, and one that is the
same transfer function, but multiplied with sT3 . Thus, the second
term is proportional to the derivative of the measurement signal we
would have obtained if we did not have any zero. If T3 < 0, this
term will give a negative contribution, which explains that the step
response initially goes in the wrong direction.

9.3

a. The frequency ω affects the speed of the system, but not the shape
of the step response. Variations in ω moves the poles radially from
the origin. In the Bode diagram, ω does not affect the shape, but
only the location of the corner frequency. The shape of the Nyquist
curve is not affected, but the frequencies are moved along the curve.

b. The relative damping ζ does not affect the speed of the step re-
sponse, but the shape. A small value of ζ gives an oscillatory and
poorly damped response. A small value of ζ gives a large resonance
peak in the Bode diagram. In the Nyquist diagram, you get a big
increase of gain and fast phase shift around ω .

140