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Negative feedback is an important concept in linear control systems. Often one needs to maintain a property of some apparatus at a desired value. For example, the speed of a car, the temperature of an oven, or the thickness of a wire being drawn in a factory may need to be held very constant. In such systems, the value of that property is measured continuously and compared to the desired value -- the "set point". The deviation from the set point is returned to the apparatus as negative feedback, so that the system responds in a way to reduce the deviation. A system with a very slow response, such as the steering of a ship, can be challenging because the over-correction from a too-strong feedback can lead to oscillations. Systems that are inherently unstable, such as a broomstick balanced on one's finger, are also challenging. In such systems, whether the feedback loop is closed by human or machine, it is necessary to carefully filter the signals to ensure stability.  

Negative feedback is an important concept in linear control systems. Often one needs to maintain a property of some apparatus at a desired value. For example, the speed of a car, the temperature of an oven, or the thickness of a wire being drawn in a factory may need to be held very constant. In such systems, the value of that property is measured continuously and compared to the desired value -- the "set point". The deviation from the set point is returned to the apparatus as negative feedback, so that the system responds in a way to reduce the deviation. A system with a very slow response, such as the steering of a ship, can be challenging because the over-correction from a too-strong feedback can lead to oscillations. Systems that are inherently unstable, such as a broomstick balanced on one's finger, are also challenging. In such systems, whether the feedback loop is closed by human or machine, it is necessary to carefully filter the signals to ensure stability.  

[[Category:Electronics]]

[[Category:Electronics]]