Control Systems - NeuLog Sense Autonomous Manual

1.2

Control systems

A robot is a computerized control system.
A "Control system" may be defined as a group of components, which can be
operated together to control multiple variables, which govern the behavior of the
system.
Examples:
 Air-conditioning systems control the temperature in the room.
 A greenhouse control system controls temperature, humidity, light, and
irrigation.
 A speed control system maintains a steady motor speed regardless of the
changing load on the motor.
 A light control system can maintain a steady level of light, regardless of the
amount of available sunlight. The control system turns lamps ON or OFF
according to the requirements.
Three basic units are in every computerized control system:
1. Input unit – the unit that reads the system sensors like temperature, light,
distance, touch switch, etc. and feeds information into the control unit.
2. Control unit – the "BRAIN" of the control system, which contains the
system program in its memory and performs the program instructions and
processes the received data.
3. Output unit – the unit that operates the system actuators such as motors,
lamps, pump, and fan as the results of the inputs and the program "decisions".
The control unit is connected to a computer for programming and downloads a
program to the control unit flash memory.
Disconnecting the control unit from the computer and connecting a power source
such as a battery to it will create an independent system.
Inputs
Control unit
Figure 1-1
2
Outputs