The role of computing in simplifying the control engineering syllabus

Abstract

The speed and accuracy of computer generated responses means that much of the classical material in control engineering is no longer essential and can be deleted from the syllabus. This applies particularly to design methods based on root locus and frequency response. They can be replaced by methods based on the design of the closed loop characteristic equation. This paper suggests how this might be done and the role the computer can play in achieving it.