What is Control engineering?
Many processes in [[nature]] regulate themselves. This means that based on some [[measurement]], they change a setting or a variable, so that it is more or less constant. Examples in nature are [[Animal|animals]] that have a [[Thermoregulation|constant body temperature]], [[blood pressure]], or [[blood sugar]] level. The [[predator-prey equations]] are another example. '''Control engineering''' is about the same thing: Building a system that can regulate one [[parameter]] (usually: keep it constant), often with a [[feedback]] loop that allows the value of the parameter to be measured. It is a field of [[engineering]]. It uses [[Mathematical model|mathematical models]] of dynamic systems, and [[control theory]]. If they are well-designed, the controllers will cause the system to behave in some desired, predictable manner. Modern control engineering is closely related to [[electrical]], [[electronic]], and [[computer engineering]]. As engineering continues to develop, control engineering is often wanted. [[File:Boulton and Watt centrifugal governor-MJ.jpg|thumb|[[Centrifuge|Centrifugal governor]] of a [[steam engine]], designed in 1788. Science museum, London]] In most cases, control engineers make use of [[feedback]] when designing control systems. For example a [[machine]]'s speed is continuously checked and fed back to the system, which then adjusts the motor's spin power. Recently, control systems are also used in [[nanotechnology]]. In [[chemical engineering]], control engineering is known as [[process control]]. Many advancements in science, finance, and even human action, can be attributed to control engineering. Many control systems rely on [[feedback]]. However, there are also control systems that work without feedback. Such a system is known as an [[open loop control|open-loop control]]. An [[open-loop controller]], also called a non-feedback controller, relies only on the model and the input signal fed to the system. An example of [[open loop control|open-loop control]] can be found in washing