Steady-State Error is the difference between the desired input and the actual output of a control system after the transient response has disappeared and the system has reached its steady operating condition. It is commonly expressed as , and it indicates the accuracy of the system in following a reference input. A smaller steady-state error means better steady-state accuracy, while an error of zero indicates that the output eventually matches the desired input exactly. Steady-state error depends on factors such as system type, controller gain, feedback configuration, and the nature of the input signal (step, ramp, or parabolic).
Steady-State Error
Interactive demonstration of reference input, system output and steady-state error
System Controls
Reference Input
System Output
Error
Final Reference
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Final Output
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Steady-State Error
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Accuracy
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Observation:
For a Type-0 system with a step input, increasing the gain reduces the
steady-state error. Select different input and system types to see how
system type affects steady-state accuracy.