Concept Taxonomy
This document defines the categorical taxonomy for organizing the 300 concepts in the Control Systems learning graph.
Taxonomy Categories
| Category Name | TaxonomyID | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Concepts | FOUND | Basic definitions, terminology, and introductory concepts for control systems |
| System Properties | PROP | Properties and characteristics of dynamic and LTI systems |
| Time Response | TIME | Time-domain analysis, transient and steady-state response concepts |
| Laplace Methods | LAPL | Laplace transform techniques, s-domain analysis, and transfer functions |
| Physical Modeling | MODEL | Mathematical modeling of electrical, mechanical, and electromechanical systems |
| Linearization | LINEAR | Linearization techniques and nonlinear system concepts |
| Block Diagrams | BLOCK | Block diagram representation, reduction, and signal flow graphs |
| Stability Analysis | STAB | Stability concepts, Routh-Hurwitz criterion, and stability margins |
| Root Locus | RLOC | Root locus analysis and design techniques |
| Frequency Response | FREQ | Frequency-domain analysis, Bode plots, and Nyquist diagrams |
| Steady-State Error | ERROR | Steady-state error analysis, system type, and error constants |
| Controller Design | CTRL | PID control, compensator design, and controller tuning methods |
| Performance | PERF | Performance specifications, design tradeoffs, and robustness |
Category Descriptions
FOUND - Foundation Concepts
Core vocabulary and fundamental building blocks including control system, feedback, open/closed-loop control, plant, controller, actuator, sensor, and basic signal definitions.
PROP - System Properties
Characteristics of systems including linearity, time-invariance, LTI properties, superposition, causality, and system order concepts.
TIME - Time Response
Analysis of system behavior in time domain including natural/forced response, transient specifications (overshoot, settling time, rise time), damping, and response to standard test inputs.
LAPL - Laplace Methods
Mathematical tools for system analysis including Laplace transforms, s-domain representation, poles, zeros, partial fractions, and transfer function properties.
MODEL - Physical Modeling
Modeling of real systems including electrical circuits (RLC, RC, RL, op-amp), mechanical systems (mass-spring-damper, pendulum, gears), motors, and analogous system concepts.
LINEAR - Linearization
Handling of nonlinear systems including linearization at operating points, Taylor series expansion, and common nonlinearities (saturation, dead zone, backlash, hysteresis).
BLOCK - Block Diagrams
System representation using block diagrams and signal flow graphs including summing junctions, cascade/parallel/feedback connections, reduction techniques, and Mason's gain formula.
STAB - Stability Analysis
Fundamental stability concepts including BIBO stability, characteristic equation, Routh-Hurwitz criterion, and introduction to relative stability concepts.
RLOC - Root Locus
Root locus method for analyzing closed-loop pole locations including construction rules, breakaway points, asymptotes, angles, and design using root locus.
FREQ - Frequency Response
Frequency-domain analysis including Bode plots (magnitude and phase), frequency response characteristics, Nyquist diagrams and criterion, and stability margins (gain and phase margin).
ERROR - Steady-State Error
Analysis of steady-state accuracy including error constants, system type classification, and disturbance error concepts.
CTRL - Controller Design
Design of controllers including proportional, integral, and derivative control, PID tuning methods (Ziegler-Nichols), and lead/lag compensation techniques.
PERF - Performance
High-level design considerations including performance specifications, design tradeoffs, robustness, sensitivity functions, and disturbance/noise handling.