Control Systems Problems - Sanfoundry

by Manish

This set of Control Systems Problems focuses on “Parameter Optimization: Servomechanims”.

1. Any externally introduced signal affecting the controlled output is called a

a) Feedback
b) Stimulus
c) Signal
d) Gain control
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: Externally introduced signal is called stimulus that is affecting the controlled output
and is a factor also affecting steady state error.

2. A closed loop system is distinguished from open loop system by which of the following?
a) Servomechanism
b) Feedback
c) Output pattern
d) Input pattern
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: An open loop system does not has feedback while the closed loop system has
feedback.

3. ______________ is a part of the human temperature control system.

a) Digestive system
b) Perspiration system
c) Ear
d) Leg movement
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: Perspiration system is a system that is controlling the body temperature of the
human body.

4. By which of the following the control action is determined when a man walks along a path?
a) Brain
b) Hands
c) Legs
d) Eyes
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Control action is the action which is the generated by the system performance and
determined by eyes when man walks along the path.

5. _______________ is a closed loop system.

a) Auto-pilot for an aircraft
b) Direct current generator
c) Car starter
d) Electric switch
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: Auto-pilot for an aircraft is an example of the closed loop system as the output is
the desired destination without the use of any pilot.

6. Which of the following devices are commonly used as error detectors in instruments?
a) Vern stats
b) Microsyn
c) Resolvers
d) All of the mentioned
View Answer

Answer: d
Explanation: All of the mentioned can be used as an error detectors as they can give the
difference between the current output and desired output.

7. Which of the following should be done to make an unstable system stable?

a) The gain of the system should be decreased
b) The gain of the system should be increased
c) The number of poles to the loop transfer function should be increased
d) The number of zeros to the loop transfer function should be increased
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: The gain of the system should be increased to make an unstable system stable and
for positive feedback of the system the gain is more and for the negative feedback the gain is
reduced for which the stable system can become unstable.

8. __________increases the steady state accuracy.

a) Integrator
b) Differentiator
c) Phase lead
d) Phase lag
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Integrator that is also the low pass filter reduces or eliminates the steady state error
but is causes the slow and sluggish response but tries to eliminate the error.

9. A.C. servomotor resembles

a) Two phase induction motor
b) Three phase induction motor
c) Direct current series motor
d) Universal motor
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: AC servomotor is a type of the two phase induction motor.

10. As a result of introduction of negative feedback which of the following will not decrease?
a) Band width
b) Overall gain
c) Distortion
d) Instability
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: Overall gain reduces due to negative feedback and due to this reduction in gain the
stable system can become unstable but excess increase in the gain causes oscillations to increase.

Optimal Control Problems - Control Systems

Questions and Answers - Sanfoundry
by Manish

This set of Control Systems Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Optimal
Control Problems”.

1. The output of the system is considered near :

a) 1
b) 2
c) 3
d) 0
View Answer

Answer: d
Explanation: Our main objective in the optimal control problem is to reduce the performance
index of the system as minimize the output and make it near equal to zero.
2. A performance index written in terms of :
a) 1 variable
b) 2 variable
c) 3 variable
d) 5 variable
View Answer

Answer: Generally the performance index be of any variables but in standard form we consider
the performance index to be in 2 variable only.

3. Matrix Q is :
a) Positive semi definite symmetric matrix
b) Positive definite non-symmetric matrix
c) Negative definite symmetric matrix
d) Negative definite non-symmetric matrix
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: Matrix Q defines positive definite or non-definite symmetric matrix which is used
in the performance index so as to give equal weightage to each element.

4. Matrix R is :
a) Positive semi definite symmetric matrix
b) Positive definite non-symmetric matrix
c) Negative definite symmetric matrix
d) Negative definite non-symmetric matrix
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: Matrix R defines positive definite or non-definite symmetric matrix which is used
in the performance index so as to give equal weightage to each element.

5. The major requirement of making the output of the system small in output regulator problem
is :
a) The system must be controllable
b) The system must be stable
c) The system must be observable
d) The system must be LTI
View Answer

Answer: c
Explanation: We are concerned with making the output of the output regulator problem small
this is achieved when the system is observable.

6. Minimum principle was given by:

a) Pontryagin
b) Hamiltonian
c) Bellman
d) Jacobi
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: The minimum principle to minimize the performance index is given by Pontryagin.

7. Dynamic programming is developed by:

a) Pontryagin
b) Hamiltonian
c) Bellman
d) Jacobi
View Answer

Answer: c
Explanation: Dynamic programming for minimizing the performance index is given by Bellman.

8. The performance index is reduced by:

a) State variable constraint
b) Input constraint
c) Control function minimization
d) Control function constraint
View Answer

Answer: c
Explanation: Once the performance index is calculated the next task is to find the control
function which is used to minimize the performance index.

9. Minimum principle is based on :

a) Concepts of calculus of variations
b) Principle of calculus
c) Principle of invariant imbedding
d) Principle of optimality
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: Minimum principle of Pontryagin is based on the concept of calculus of variations.

10. Dynamic programming is based on :

a) Principle of calculus
b) Principle of invariant imbedding
c) Principle of optimality
d) All of the mentioned
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Dynamic programming is based on principle of calculus, invariant imbedding and
optimality and these are the basic laws of the nature and does not need complex mathematical
development to explain its validity.

Optimal Control Problems Questions and

Answers - Sanfoundry
by Manish

This set of Control Systems Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Optimal
Control Problems-2”.

1. The main step for solving the optimal control problem:

a) Transfer function of system which is optimal with respect to the given performance criterion
b) Compensators for the system
c) Minimizing the quadratic function
d) All of the mentioned
View Answer

Answer: d
Explanation: For solving the problem using optimal control problem various steps are required as
first is to form the transfer function and then to compute the compensators and the major
requirement is to minimize the quadratic function.

2. For minimizing the transfer function the condition is :

a) Second differentiation of the function must be zero
b) Second differentiation of the function must be positive
c) Second differentiation of the function must be negative
d) Second differentiation of the function must be complex
View Answer

Answer: c
Explanation: In optimal control problems the main objective is to reduce the performance
criterion which is used only when the second differentiation of the function must be negative.

3. For the stability in optimal control poles of the transfer function must be :
a) Located on the right half of s plane
b) Left half of s plane
c) On the s plane
d) None of the mentioned
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: For the stability point of view the basic definition continues that the poles must be
located on the left half of s plane.

4. The method of choosing compensator is the configuration must be:

a) Forward path
b) Cascade and feedback compensation
c) Feed forward configuration
d) All of the mentioned
View Answer

Answer: d
Explanation: The above mentioned are the various configurations of choosing a compensator.

5. When some of the states are inaccessible, then we may set the feedback coefficients equal to
zero.
a) True
b) False
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: This is done to adjust coefficients to realize the transfer function and if it is not
possible then reconstruction of signals can be done.

6. Z-transform is used in:

a) Continuous optimal control problem
b) Discrete optimal problem
c) Control systems
d) None of the mentioned
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: Z-transform by definition can is used in discrete case only both in optimal and
normal control functions.

7. For the stable system in discrete optimal control systems:

a) Poles must lie outside the unit circle
b) Poles must lie within the unit circle
c) Poles must be on the unit circle
d) Pole must be in infinity
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: Poles in discrete system must be inside the unit circle and for causal system it must
be outside the circle but no including the infinity.
8. The special case of the tracking problem with input equal to zero:
a) Free response
b) Regulator problem
c) Forced response
d) Output regulator problem
View Answer

Answer: d
Explanation: For zero input output is zero if all the initial conditions are zero the response are
due to non-initial conditions which are caused due to disturbances.

9. The primary objective of the output regulator problem is to damp out:

a) Initial conditions quickly
b) Reducing the effect of excessive oscillations
c) Reducing the effect of excessive overshoot
d) All of the mentioned
View Answer

Answer: d
Explanation: The primary objective of the output regulator problem is to damp out the initial
conditions quickly and also reduce the effect of excessive oscillations and overshoot.

10. The limitation of the transfer function approach are:

a) The spectral factorization becomes quite complex
b) It is restricted to the systems with all performance index
c) Multi input and multi output systems are not obvious
d) It is useful for time varying and linear systems
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: The limitation of transfer function approach is that is it useful only for quadratic
performance index and multi input and multi output systems are obvious and also it is ineffective
for time varying and non-linear systems.

State Regulator Problem - Control Systems

Questions and Answers - Sanfoundry
by Manish

This set of Control Systems Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “The
State Regulator Problem”.

1. The optimization method based on dynamic programming views :

a) Control problem as the multistage decision problem
b) Control input as a time sequence of decisions
c) A sampled data system gives rise to sequence of transformations of the original state vector
d) All of the mentioned
View Answer

Answer: d
Explanation: The optimization method is based on dynamic programming views control problem
as the multistage decision problem and control input as time sequence of decisions.

2. The choice of control vector is considered decision of interest in :

a) Multistage process of N stages
b) Minimizing the performance index
c) Optimal policy or sequence
d) All of the mentioned
View Answer

Answer: d
Explanation: The choice of control vector is considered decision of interest as it the part of
multistage process of N stages and this is optimal policy or sequence and this minimizes the
performance criteria.

3. The principle of invariant imbedding is :

a) The optimal control sequence is function of initial state
b) The optimal control sequence is function of number of stages N
c) Control problem is imbedded with the family of problems with fixed initial value and final
state
d) The optimal control sequence is function of final state
View Answer

Answer: c
Explanation: In principle of invariant imbedding we do not regard the control problem as an
isolated problem with fixed initial value and N but rather imbed it with the family of problems.

4. The principle of optimality :

a) The optimal control sequence is function of initial state
b) The optimal control sequence is function of number of stages N
c) The principle maintains the N-stage decision process
d) Find one control value at a time until optimal policy is determined
View Answer

Answer: The principle of optimality reduces the N-stage decision process into N-stage single
state process, which state that an optimal control policy has the property that whatever the initial
state and conditions are final state must follow the optimal policy.

5. The calculation in multistage process must always start from the first stage :
a) True
b) False
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: It is permissible to find the last decision as the initial calculation step in multi stage
decision process.

6. The optimal control at each state is ________ combination of states.

a) Linear
b) Non-linear
c) Time variant
d) Time invariant
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: The optimal control at each state is linear combination of states and thus giving the
linear state variable feedback control policy.

7. Feedback is :
a) Linear
b) Non-linear
c) Time variant
d) Time invariant
View Answer

Answer: c
Explanation: Feedback is time varying all the optimal policy converts a linear time invariant
plant with time invariant quadratic performance index into a linear time varying feedback
system.

8. Realization of the optimal control policy :

a) Feedback of the state variables
b) Feedback of the control variables
c) Control constraint
d) Control function
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: Once the optimal control policy has been determined, its realization is the second
phase of the optimal control problem its realization seeks feedback of the state variables.

9. If the plant states are not variable for measurement, then it is possible to construct physical
device state observer if :
a) Produces output at its plant states
b) Plants equations must satisfy the conditions of observability
c) Both a and b
d) Input must be present
View Answer

Answer: c
Explanation: It produces at it output the plant states, when driven by the both the plant input and
output.

10. Value of the performance index must be finite if :

a) System is controllable
b) System is observable
c) System is stable
d) System is unstable
View Answer

Answer: d
Explanation: The contribution of uncontrollable and unstable states is always finite provided the
control interval is always finite.

Infinit-Time Regulator Problem - Control

Systems Questions and Answers -
Sanfoundry
by Manish

This set of Control Systems Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “The
Infinite Time Regulator Problem”.

1. In infinite time regulator for the final time is:

a) t1
b) t0
c) Infinite
d) Zero
View Answer

Answer: c
Explanation: In infinite time regulator is the extended version of the state regulator and the final
time for the infinite time regulator is infinite in this case.

2. When time and the state variables tend to infinity then the system becomes:
a) Unstable
b) Stable
c) Marginally stable
d) Conditionally stable
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: The terminal penalty term has no significance and it does not appear in the
performance index and terminal time if tends to infinity then the system becomes stable.

3. In finite time regulator:

a) There is no restriction on the controllability of the plant
b) Performance index is infinite
c) Instability imposes problem in finite-interval control
d) No restriction on controllability and performance index
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: In finite time regulator there is no restriction on the controllability of the plant. This
is because is always finite and instability does not impose any problems in finite-time control.

4. Performance index can become infinite if:

a) One or more state are uncontrollable
b) The uncontrollable states are uncontrollable
c) The unstable states are reflected in system performance index
d) All of the mentioned
View Answer

Answer: d
Explanation: Performance index can become infinite if one or more states are uncontrollable and
unstable states are reflected in system performance index.

5. In Infinite regulator the optimal control cannot be differentiated from other controls.
a) True
b) False
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: In infinite regulator the optimal control may have same output for all the controls as
the same solution for the infinite regulators will exist.

6. The differential term in the riccati equation in infinite regulator is:

a) Finite
b) Positive
c) Infinite
d) Zero
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: As the final time is not defined hence the differential term of the riccati equation
becomes zero and the equation we get is the modified riccati equation.

7. The solution of the modified riccati equation may be:

a) Independent
b) Dependent
c) Unique
d) Non-unique
View Answer

Answer: d
Explanation: The solution of the modified Riccati equation may not be unique as the solution
depends upon the requirement that P must be positive and definite.

8. If Q is positive semi- definite:

a) The optimal closed loop system is asymptotically stable
b) The asymptotic stability is not guaranteed
c) The system is stable
d) The system is unstable
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: If the plant is controllable and bounded and in infinite state regulators the
asymptotic stability is not guaranteed even if the Q is positive and semi-definite.

9. Tracking problem can be in:

a) Infinite state regulators
b) Finite state regulator
c) Sub-optimal state regulators
d) Non-linear regulators
View Answer

Answer: c
Explanation: The application of the optimal regulators is that the minimum time, energy, fuel and
tracking problems are designed.

10. The regulators that convert the non-linear stability into linear stability:
a) Linear
b) Sub-optimal
c) Finite
d) Infinite
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: In infinite state regulators stability is not guaranteed and hence the nonlinear
stability is converted into to the linear stability.

Output Regulator & Tracking Problem -

Control Systems Questions and Answers -
Sanfoundry
by Manish

This set of Control Systems Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Output
Regulator and Tracking Problem”.

1. For output regulator problem in performance index the parameter which is set to zero:
a) Input vector
b) Output vector
c) Control vector
d) State vector
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: As the problem is to minimize the performance index involving output vector then
the output vector must be close to zero.

2. In tracking problem the parameter reduced is :

a) Error
b) Output
c) Input
d) State
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: In tracking problem the main objective is to reduce error and this is the main
concern so as to reduce error.

3. Riccati equation is formed by using:

a) Output regulator problem
b) Finite state regulator problem
c) Infinite state regulator problem
d) Tracking problem
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Riccati equation can be formed using the results of the tracking problem as it is
mainly applied in the cases where the errors are reduced to the minimum.

4. The value of K must further follow the following constraint that the closed loop system must
be:
a) Asymptotically stable
b) Stable
c) Marginally stable
d) Conditionally stable
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: The value of Ki must further follow the following constraint that the closed loop
system must be asymptotically stable and this is due to the fact that the value of k matrix can be
varied.

5. For suboptimal control the value of R is assumed to be:

a) Positive definite
b) Non-positive definite
c) Negative
d) Complex
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: For suboptimal control the value of R is not assumed to be positive definite but it
can also be assumed to be zero.

6. Which one of the following compensation is required for improving the transient response of
the system?
a) Phase lead compensation
b) Phase lag compensation
c) Gain compensation
d) Both phase lag compensation and gain compensation
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: For increasing or improving the transient response derivative controller is used and
which is the phase lead compensation.

7. Pneumatic controller
a) Flexible operation
b) High torque high speed operation
c) Fire and explosion proof operation
d) No leakage
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: Pneumatic controllers are fire and explosion proof operation as they require air and
gas fuel for its operation.

8. Hydraulic controller:
a) Flexible operation
b) High torque high speed operation
c) Fire and explosion proof operation
d) No leakage
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: Hydraulic controller must have no leakage and also it requires high torque and high
speed operation due to high density of the controller.

9. Electronic Controller:
a) Flexible operation
b) High torque high speed operation
c) Fire and explosion proof operation
d) No leakage
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: Flexible in all sense as it does not require heavy components or extra torque or high
speed operations.

10. Which one of the following statement is correct?

A plant controlled by a proportional controller. If a time delay element is introduced in the loop
its:
a) Phase margin remains the same
b) Phase margin increases
c) Phase margin decreases
d) Gain margin increases
View Answer

Answer: c
Explanation: The introduction of a time delay element decreases both the phase and gain margin.

Parameter Optimization - Control Systems

Questions and Answers - Sanfoundry
by Manish
This set of Control Systems Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on
“Parameter Optimization”.

1. A conditionally stable system exhibits poor stability at :

a) Low frequencies
b) Reduced values of open loop gain
c) Increased values of open loop gain
d) High frequencies
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: A conditionally stable system is the system which is stable only for certain values
of K and exhibits poor stability at the reduced values of open loop gain.

2. The type 0 system has ______ at the origin.

a) No pole
b) Net pole
c) Simple pole
d) Two poles
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: The type of the system is defined as the property of the system which has pole at
the origin.

3. The type 1 system has ______ at the origin.

a) No pole
b) Net pole
c) Simple pole
d) Two poles
View Answer

Answer: c
Explanation: The type of the system is defined as the pole at the zero and type 1 is defined as the
1 pole at the origin.

4. The type 2 system has at the origin.

a) No net pole
b) Net pole
c) Simple pole
d) Two poles
View Answer

Answer: d
Explanation: Type of the system is defined as the number of pole at origin and type 2 is the 2
poles at the origin.
5. The position and velocity errors of a type-2 system are :
a) Constant, constant
b) Constant, infinity
c) Zero, constant
d) Zero, zero
View Answer

Answer: c
Explanation: The position and velocity error of the type 2 system is zero and a constant value as
for type 2 system velocity error is finite while acceleration error is infinite.

6. Velocity error constant of a system is measured when the input to the system is unit _______
function.
a) Parabolic
b) Ramp
c) Impulse
d) Step
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: Velocity error constant of a system is measured when the input to the system is unit
ramp function then only velocity error is finite but error due to other inputs are not defined.

7. In case of type-1 system steady state acceleration is :

a) Unity
b) Infinity
c) Zero
d) 10
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: In case of type-1 system steady state acceleration is infinity as for the type less than
3 acceleration is not defined it is infinity.

8. If a step function is applied to the input of a system and the output remains below a certain
level for all the time, the system is :
a) Not necessarily stable
b) Stable
c) Unstable
d) Always unstable
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: If the input is bounded and output is also bounded then the system is always stable
and step input is bounded and the output is always under certain li its then the system is stable.
9. Which of the following is the best method for determining the stability and transient response?
a) Root locus
b) Bode plot
c) Nyquist plot
d) None of the mentioned
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: Root locus is the best method for determining stability of the transient response as
it gives the exact pole zero location and also their effect on the response.

10. Phase margin of a system is used to specify which of the following?

a) Frequency response
b) Absolute stability
c) Relative
d) Conditional stability
View Answer

Answer: b:
Explanation: Phase margin of the system can be used for determining the absolute stability of the
system.