Open-loop frequency response data

An important difference between analysis of stability in the. v-plane and stability in the frequency domain is that, in the former, system models in the form of transfer functions need to be known. In the latter, however, either models or a set of input-output measured open-loop frequency response data from an unknown system may be employed. 

Table 6.5 Open-loop frequency response data...

Another advantage of frequency response analysis is that one can identify the process transfer function with experimental data. With either a frequency response experiment or a pulse experiment with proper Fourier transform, one can construct the Bode plot using the open-loop transfer functions and use the plot as the basis for controller design.1... 

To use the Bode criterion, we need the Bode plots for the open-loop transfer function of the controlled system. These can be constructed in two ways (a) numerically, if the transfer functions of the process, measuring device, controller, and final control element are known and (b) experimentally, if all or some of the transfer functions are unknown. In the second case the system is disturbed with a sinusoidal input at various frequencies, and the amplitude and phase lag of the open-loop response are recorded. From these data we can construct the Bode plots. 

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