Stability of Control Systems refers to the ability of a control system to produce a bounded and predictable output when subjected to a bounded input or disturbance. A system is considered stable if its output remains within acceptable limits and does not grow indefinitely with time. In a linear control system, stability is commonly determined by examining the poles of the transfer function: for continuous-time systems, all closed-loop poles must lie in the left half of the s-plane for asymptotic stability. Poles on the imaginary axis may indicate marginal stability, while poles in the right half-plane indicate instability. Stability is essential because an unstable system can exhibit continuously increasing oscillations or uncontrolled output, potentially causing poor performance or equipment damage.
Stability of Control Systems
1. Pole Location on the s-Plane
2. Time-Domain System Response
Stability Interpretation
Stable
When σ < 0, the poles are in the left half of the s-plane. The response decays with time and approaches zero.
Marginally Stable
When σ = 0, poles lie on the imaginary axis. The oscillation continues without growing or decaying.
Unstable
When σ > 0, poles are in the right half of the s-plane. The response grows with time and becomes unbounded.