Useful in analyzing multiple-loop feedback

Signal Flow Graph systems and in determining the effect of a

particular element or parameter in an overall
feedback system
 Mason’s rule
• Mason’s rule for reducing a signal-flow
graph to a single transfer function
• Forward-path gain: The product of
gains found by traversing a path from
the input node to the output node of
the signal-flow graph in the direction
of signal flow.
• Loop gain: Product of branch gains
found by traversing starting at a node
and ends at the same node, following Forward-path gain
the direction of the signal flow, without
passing through any other node more
than once.
Loop gain
 Definitions
Non-touching loops: Loops that do not
have any nodes in common. Loop
G2(s)H1(s) does not touch loops
G4(s)H2(s), G7(s)H4(s).
Non-touching-loop gain: The product of
loop gains from non-touching loops
taken two, three, four, or more at a time.

In our example there are no non-touching

loop gains taken four at a time since Non-touching-loop gains taken two at a time
three non-touching loops do not exist.

Non-touching-loop gains taken three at a time

Mason's Formula
P1. Mason's Gain Formula
P2. Reduction
 Feedback system

Negative feedback

Closed-Loop Transfer Function:

P1. Reduction
P2. Block Diagram Reduction
Block Diagram
Representation
• A block diagram of a LTI system
is a pictorial representation of
the functions performed by
each component and of the
flow of signals.

Summing point:

Take-off (Branch) point​:

P3. Reduction
P4. Reduction
P5. Block-Diagram Reduction
Represent the input/output, takeoff points
& summing points with nodes