Lecture 24 SYDE 351

Transfer Functions
Block Diagrams
The System Transfer Function

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 1. Transfer Functions

A) Format
B) Finding G(s)

a) Develop the time-domain system model in a

convenient format. (Usually differential equations)

b) Convert time domain models to s-domain by

Note: applying Properties A.1, A2 and A.3. Set IC’s to zero.
- G(s) Is a characteristic of the system, including the (They do not affect time-constants (τ) and sinusoidal
types of components and their topology. time periods (T).

- In(s) may be a source, such as an impulse, step, c) Select a response (output) and a source (input) and
sinusoid, etc. find G(s).

- From (1), for some In(s), we have

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Example: Servo System
iii) Coupled differential equations
Schematic

b) s-domain Model.
a) Time-domain Model. i) Variables
i) System graph and topological equations

ii) A.1 and A.2 on eqns. (a) and (b) yield

(without IC’s)
ii) Terminal equations (with simplifications)

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 c) A Transfer Function
iii) In matrix Format
Note there are two outputs and two inputs.
Choose V(s) and W(s), then from (d)

iv) Solve symbolically (recall)

Provide and input. Suppose

Then

Then, from eqn. (c)

From eqn. (2), the output is

And in time

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2. Block Diagrams B. Combining ``elements’’
Example
A graphical description of the system model
in the s-domain

A. There are only three ``elements’’

i) The Transfer-function Box Find C(s) in terms of R, D, G1 and G2

Procedure.
i) Let every block have a labelled input and output.

ii) The Branch-Point

ii) Start at the right (i.e. C(s)) and work to the left (i.e. R(s))

iii) The Summing Node (Variables have same units)

iii) Collect terms

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3. The System Transfer Function
A Transfer function that describes the
complete system.
For a system with input R(s) and output C(s) we
define the System Transfer Function, say T(s), as
Example: Classical Feed-Back Control System
The Block Diagram
Fig. 1
T(s) comprises G1(s), G2(s) and H(s)
a) Finding T(s): (Invoke Linear Algebra
i) For each block identify an input and an output.
i.e. augment R and C with, say A, B, D, E…
ii) Write an equation for every summing node and
every block. (R is assumed to be known.)
iii) Solve the equations for C(s)
Example Continued.
i) Variables B, E and F have been added
ii) Equations become
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 b) Application
In Matrix format
Different systems have their own unique transfer
function, hence a unique system transfer function T(s).
Suppose:

Then (3) gives

Then

Or, simplifying

And finally