Difference between revisions of "Negative feedback"
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'''Negative feedback''' occurs when some function of the output of a system, process, or mechanism is fed back in a manner that tends to reduce the fluctuations in the output, whether caused by changes in the input or by other disturbances. | '''Negative feedback''' occurs when some function of the output of a system, process, or mechanism is fed back in a manner that tends to reduce the fluctuations in the output, whether caused by changes in the input or by other disturbances. | ||
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Whereas [[positive feedback]] tends to lead to instability via exponential growth or oscillation, negative feedback generally promotes stability. | Whereas [[positive feedback]] tends to lead to instability via exponential growth or oscillation, negative feedback generally promotes stability. | ||
Revision as of 06:55, 4 February 2016
Negative feedback occurs when some function of the output of a system, process, or mechanism is fed back in a manner that tends to reduce the fluctuations in the output, whether caused by changes in the input or by other disturbances.
Description
Whereas positive feedback tends to lead to instability via exponential growth or oscillation, negative feedback generally promotes stability.
Negative feedback tends to promote a settling to equilibrium, and reduces the effects of perturbations.
Negative feedback loops in which just the right amount of correction is applied with optimum timing can be very stable, accurate, and responsive.
Negative feedback is widely used in mechanical and electronic engineering, but it also occurs naturally within living organisms, and can be seen in many other fields from chemistry and economics to physical systems such as the climate.
General negative feedback systems are studied in control systems engineering.
See also
External links
- Negative feedback @ Wikipedia
