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This section includes InterviewSolutions, each offering curated multiple-choice questions to sharpen your knowledge and support exam preparation. Choose a topic below to get started.

1.

Velocity error constant of a system is measured when the input to the system is unit _______ function.(a) Parabolic(b) Ramp(c) Impulse(d) StepThis question was addressed to me in an interview for internship.I want to ask this question from Parameter Optimization topic in portion Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer»

The CORRECT choice is (b) Ramp

Explanation: Velocity error CONSTANT of a SYSTEM is measured when the INPUT to the system is unit ramp function then only velocity error is finite but error due to other inputs are not DEFINED.

2.

The type 1 system has ______ at the origin.(a) No pole(b) Net pole(c) Simple pole(d) Two polesThe question was asked in unit test.This intriguing question comes from Parameter Optimization in chapter Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer»

Right answer is (c) Simple pole

To EXPLAIN: The TYPE of the SYSTEM is defined as the pole at the zero and type 1 is defined as the 1 pole at the origin.

3.

Pneumatic controller(a) Flexible operation(b) High torque high speed operation(c) Fire and explosion proof operation(d) No leakageThis question was posed to me in an online interview.My enquiry is from Output Regulator and the Tracking Problem topic in chapter Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer»

The correct choice is (c) Fire and EXPLOSION proof operation

Explanation: Pneumatic controllers are fire and explosion proof operation as they REQUIRE AIR and gas FUEL for its operation.

4.

The type 0 system has ______ at the origin.(a) No pole(b) Net pole(c) Simple pole(d) Two polesI had been asked this question in an interview.My enquiry is from Parameter Optimization topic in portion Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer» RIGHT choice is (a) No POLE

To explain: The type of the system is defined as the PROPERTY of the system which has pole at the origin.
5.

Electronic Controller:(a) Flexible operation(b) High torque high speed operation(c) Fire and explosion proof operation(d) No leakageI had been asked this question in examination.The above asked question is from Output Regulator and the Tracking Problem topic in division Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer»

The CORRECT CHOICE is (a) Flexible operation

The explanation is: Flexible in all sense as it does not REQUIRE heavy components or extra TORQUE or high speed OPERATIONS.

6.

Which of the following is the best method for determining the stability and transient response?(a) Root locus(b) Bode plot(c) Nyquist plot(d) None of the mentionedI got this question by my college director while I was bunking the class.The question is from Parameter Optimization in portion Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer»

Correct choice is (a) Root locus

Explanation: Root locus is the BEST method for determining STABILITY of the TRANSIENT RESPONSE as it gives the exact POLE zero location and also their effect on the response.

7.

If a step function is applied to the input of a system and the output remains below a certain level for all the time, the system is :(a) Not necessarily stable(b) Stable(c) Unstable(d) Always unstableThis question was posed to me in quiz.The question is from Parameter Optimization in portion Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer»

The CORRECT option is (a) Not NECESSARILY STABLE

To explain: If the input is bounded and output is ALSO bounded then the system is always stable and STEP input is bounded and the output is always under certain li its then the system is stable.

8.

The position and velocity errors of a type-2 system are :(a) Constant, constant(b) Constant, infinity(c) Zero, constant(d) Zero, zeroI have been asked this question in exam.I need to ask this question from Parameter Optimization topic in chapter Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer» RIGHT answer is (c) Zero, constant

To explain I WOULD say: The position and velocity error of the TYPE 2 system is zero and a constant value as for type 2 system velocity error is FINITE while ACCELERATION error is infinite.
9.

The type 2 system has at the origin.(a) No net pole(b) Net pole(c) Simple pole(d) Two polesI have been asked this question in an interview for job.The above asked question is from Parameter Optimization topic in chapter Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer» RIGHT ANSWER is (d) TWO poles

Best explanation: Type of the system is defined as the number of pole at origin and type 2 is the 2 poles at the origin.
10.

Which one of the following compensation is required for improving the transient response of the system?(a) Phase lead compensation(b) Phase lag compensation(c) Gain compensation(d) Both phase lag compensation and gain compensationThe question was asked in an interview for job.This interesting question is from Output Regulator and the Tracking Problem in chapter Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer»

The correct option is (a) Phase lead compensation

To EXPLAIN: For INCREASING or IMPROVING the TRANSIENT response derivative controller is used and which is the phase lead compensation.

11.

For suboptimal control the value of R is assumed to be:(a) Positive definite(b) Non-positive definite(c) Negative(d) ComplexI have been asked this question during an internship interview.This intriguing question originated from Output Regulator and the Tracking Problem in chapter Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer»

The correct answer is (b) Non-positive definite

For EXPLANATION: For SUBOPTIMAL CONTROL the value of R is not assumed to be positive definite but it can also be assumed to be ZERO.

12.

Hydraulic controller:(a) Flexible operation(b) High torque high speed operation(c) Fire and explosion proof operation(d) No leakageThis question was addressed to me during an internship interview.The origin of the question is Output Regulator and the Tracking Problem in portion Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer»

Correct answer is (b) High torque high speed operation

For explanation: Hydraulic CONTROLLER must have no LEAKAGE and ALSO it REQUIRES high torque and high speed operation due to high DENSITY of the controller.

13.

In case of type-1 system steady state acceleration is :(a) Unity(b) Infinity(c) Zero(d) 10The question was asked in an international level competition.This question is from Parameter Optimization in portion Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer»

Correct choice is (B) INFINITY

The best explanation: In CASE of type-1 system steady STATE acceleration is infinity as for the type LESS than 3 acceleration is not defined it is infinity.

14.

A conditionally stable system exhibits poor stability at :(a) Low frequencies(b) Reduced values of open loop gain(c) Increased values of open loop gain(d) High frequenciesI have been asked this question in exam.This interesting question is from Parameter Optimization in portion Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer»

Correct option is (B) Reduced values of open loop GAIN

The explanation is: A conditionally stable system is the system which is stable only for certain values of K and exhibits POOR stability at the reduced values of open loop gain.

15.

Which of the following should be done to make an unstable system stable?(a) The gain of the system should be decreased(b) The gain of the system should be increased(c) The number of poles to the loop transfer function should be increased(d) The number of zeros to the loop transfer function should be increasedI had been asked this question during a job interview.Question is from Parameter Optimization : Servomechanims in portion Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer»

Right option is (b) The GAIN of the system should be INCREASED

The best explanation: The gain of the system should be increased to make an unstable system stable and for positive FEEDBACK of the system the gain is more and for the negative feedback the gain is REDUCED for which the stable system can BECOME unstable.

16.

A.C. servomotor resembles(a) Two phase induction motor(b) Three phase induction motor(c) Direct current series motor(d) Universal motorI got this question in quiz.Origin of the question is Parameter Optimization : Servomechanims in portion Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer»

Right option is (a) TWO PHASE induction motor

Best EXPLANATION: AC servomotor is a type of the two phase induction motor.

17.

Performance index can become infinite if:(a) One or more state are uncontrollable(b) The uncontrollable states are uncontrollable(c) The unstable states are reflected in system performance index(d) All of the mentionedI got this question in an online quiz.My doubt is from The Infinite Time Regulator Problem topic in section Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer»

The correct choice is (d) All of the mentioned

To elaborate: Performance INDEX can BECOME infinite if one or more states are uncontrollable and UNSTABLE states are REFLECTED in SYSTEM performance index.

18.

IfQ is positive semi- definite:(a) The optimal closed loop system is asymptotically stable(b) The asymptotic stability is not guaranteed(c) The system is stable(d) The system is unstableI got this question in an online quiz.I'm obligated to ask this question of The Infinite Time Regulator Problem topic in section Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer» RIGHT answer is (b) The asymptotic STABILITY is not guaranteed

The BEST I can explain: If the plant is CONTROLLABLE and bounded and in infinite STATE regulators the asymptotic stability is not guaranteed even if the Q is positive and semi-definite.
19.

For minimizing the transfer function the condition is :(a) Second differentiation of the function must be zero(b) Second differentiation of the function must be positive(c) Second differentiation of the function must be negative(d) Second differentiation of the function must be complexI have been asked this question in exam.This interesting question is from Optimal Control Problems-2 in portion Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer»
20.

Riccati equation is formed by using:(a) Output regulator problem(b) Finite state regulator problem(c) Infinite state regulator problem(d) Tracking problemI have been asked this question in an online quiz.The question is from Output Regulator and the Tracking Problem topic in chapter Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer»

Correct answer is (d) Tracking PROBLEM

Explanation: Riccati equation can be formed using the results of the tracking problem as it is MAINLY applied in the cases where the ERRORS are reduced to the MINIMUM.

21.

For the stable system in discrete optimal control systems:(a) Poles must lie outside the unit circle(b) Poles must lie within the unit circle(c) Poles must be on the unit circle(d) Pole must be in infinityThis question was posed to me by my school principal while I was bunking the class.I want to ask this question from Optimal Control Problems-2 in division Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer»

Right OPTION is (b) Poles MUST lie within the unit circle

The explanation: Poles in DISCRETE system must be inside the unit circle and for causal system it must be OUTSIDE the circle but no including the infinity.

22.

Whentime and the state variables tend to infinity then the system becomes:(a) Unstable(b) Stable(c) Marginally stable(d) Conditionally stableI got this question at a job interview.The doubt is from The Infinite Time Regulator Problem topic in chapter Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer»

The correct answer is (b) Stable

Explanation: The TERMINAL penalty TERM has no significance and it does not APPEAR in the performance index and terminal time if TENDS to infinity then the system becomes stable.

23.

For output regulator problem in performance index the parameter which is set to zero:(a) Input vector(b) Output vector(c) Control vector(d) State vectorI got this question in exam.My doubt is from Output Regulator and the Tracking Problem topic in division Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer» RIGHT option is (b) Output vector

The EXPLANATION: As the PROBLEM is to minimize the performance INDEX INVOLVING output vector then the output vector must be close to zero.
24.

The primary objective of the output regulator problem is to damp out:(a) Initial conditions quickly(b) Reducing the effect of excessive oscillations(c) Reducing the effect of excessive overshoot(d) All of the mentionedI have been asked this question by my college director while I was bunking the class.This is a very interesting question from Optimal Control Problems-2 in section Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer»

Correct option is (d) All of the mentioned

To EXPLAIN: The PRIMARY objective of the output regulator PROBLEM is to damp out the initial conditions quickly and ALSO reduce the effect of excessive oscillations and OVERSHOOT.

25.

Feedback is :(a) Linear(b) Non-linear(c) Time variant(d) Time invariantI had been asked this question in class test.The origin of the question is Optimal Control Systems in portion Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer»

Correct OPTION is (C) Time variant

To explain I would say: Feedback is time varying all the optimal policy converts a linear time invariant plant with time invariant QUADRATIC PERFORMANCE index into a linear time varying feedback system.

26.

The optimal control at each state is ________ combination of states.(a) Linear(b) Non-linear(c) Time variant(d) Time invariantI had been asked this question in an internship interview.My query is from Optimal Control Systems in section Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer»

Right OPTION is (a) Linear

For explanation I would SAY: The OPTIMAL control at each STATE is linear COMBINATION of states and thus giving the linear state variable feedback control policy.

27.

The calculation in multistage process must always start from the first stage :(a) True(b) FalseI had been asked this question in an online quiz.This intriguing question originated from Optimal Control Systems topic in portion Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer»

Correct CHOICE is (B) False

For explanation: It is permissible to find the last decision as the initial CALCULATION step in MULTI stage decision process.

28.

The special case of the tracking problem with input equal to zero:(a) Free response(b) Regulator problem(c) Forced response(d) Output regulator problemI had been asked this question in exam.I would like to ask this question from Optimal Control Problems-2 in portion Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer»

The correct CHOICE is (d) Output regulator problem

The best I can explain: For zero input output is zero if all the INITIAL conditions are zero the response are due to non-initial conditions which are caused due to disturbances.

29.

The solution of the modified riccati equation may be:(a) Independent(b) Dependent(c) Unique(d) Non-uniqueThis question was posed to me in examination.I need to ask this question from The Infinite Time Regulator Problem in section Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer»

Correct choice is (d) Non-unique

Easy EXPLANATION: The SOLUTION of the MODIFIED Riccati equation may not be unique as the solution depends UPON the requirement that P must be positive and definite.

30.

The main step for solving the optimal control problem:(a) Transfer function of system which is optimal with respect to the given performance criterion(b) Compensators for the system(c) Minimizing the quadratic function(d) All of the mentionedThis question was addressed to me by my school principal while I was bunking the class.The query is from Optimal Control Problems-2 topic in division Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer»

The correct option is (d) All of the mentioned

For explanation I would say: For solving the PROBLEM using optimal CONTROL problem various steps are required as FIRST is to form the transfer function and then to compute the compensators and the major requirement is to minimize the QUADRATIC function.

31.

A closed loop system is distinguished from open loop system by which of the following?(a) Servomechanism(b) Feedback(c) Output pattern(d) Input patternThis question was addressed to me during an online exam.This interesting question is from Parameter Optimization : Servomechanims in division Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer»
32.

In Infinite regulator the optimal control cannot be differentiated from other controls.(a) True(b) FalseI got this question during an interview.I'm obligated to ask this question of The Infinite Time Regulator Problem topic in division Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer»

Correct answer is (a) True

Easiest explanation: In infinite regulator the OPTIMAL CONTROL may have same OUTPUT for all the CONTROLS as the same SOLUTION for the infinite regulators will exist.

33.

When some of the states are inaccessible, then we may set the feedback coefficients equal to zero.(a) True(b) FalseThe question was posed to me in my homework.Origin of the question is Optimal Control Problems-2 topic in section Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer»

The correct CHOICE is (a) True

To ELABORATE: This is done to adjust coefficients to REALIZE the transfer function and if it is not possible then reconstruction of SIGNALS can be done.

34.

MatrixQ is :(a) Positive semi definite symmetric matrix(b) Positive definite non-symmetric matrix(c) Negative definite symmetric matrix(d) Negative definite non-symmetric matrixI have been asked this question in an interview.This key question is from Optimal Control Problems topic in chapter Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer»

The correct answer is (a) Positive SEMI definite symmetric matrix

The explanation: Matrix Q defines positive definite or non-definite symmetric matrix which is used in the performance INDEX so as to give equal WEIGHTAGE to each ELEMENT.

35.

The output of the system is considered near :(a) 1(b) 2(c) 3(d) 0This question was posed to me in class test.I need to ask this question from Optimal Control Problems in division Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer»

Right CHOICE is (d) 0

Explanation: Our main objective in the optimal control problem is to reduce the PERFORMANCE index of the system as minimize the output and MAKE it near equal to ZERO.

36.

Z-transform is used in:(a) Continuous optimal control problem(b) Discrete optimal problem(c) Control systems(d) None of the mentionedThe question was posed to me in an international level competition.I want to ask this question from Optimal Control Problems-2 topic in chapter Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer»

The correct ANSWER is (B) Discrete OPTIMAL problem

The explanation is: Z-transform by definition can is USED in discrete case only both in optimal and normal control functions.

37.

Minimum principle is based on :(a) Concepts of calculus of variations(b) Principle of calculus(c) Principle of invariant imbedding(d) Principle of optimalityI had been asked this question during an online exam.My question is from Optimal Control Problems in chapter Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer»

Right option is (a) CONCEPTS of calculus of variations

To EXPLAIN I would SAY: Minimum PRINCIPLE of Pontryagin is based on the concept of calculus of variations.

38.

Dynamic programming is developed by:(a) Pontryagin(b) Hamiltonian(c) Bellman(d) JacobiI have been asked this question during an online interview.I would like to ask this question from Optimal Control Problems in chapter Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer»

Right OPTION is (c) Bellman

Easy EXPLANATION: Dynamic programming for minimizing the PERFORMANCE INDEX is given by Bellman.

39.

Minimum principle was given by:(a) Pontryagin(b) Hamiltonian(c) Bellman(d) JacobiI have been asked this question in semester exam.Question is taken from Optimal Control Problems in chapter Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer»

The CORRECT choice is (a) Pontryagin

The EXPLANATION: The MINIMUM principle to minimize the PERFORMANCE index is given by Pontryagin.

40.

The value of K must further follow the following constraint that the closed loop system must be:(a) Asymptotically stable(b) Stable(c) Marginally stable(d) Conditionally stableThis question was addressed to me in a national level competition.I want to ask this question from Output Regulator and the Tracking Problem in section Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer»

The correct CHOICE is (a) Asymptotically stable

Easy explanation: The value of Ki MUST further FOLLOW the following CONSTRAINT that the closed LOOP system must be asymptotically stable and this is due to the fact that the value of k matrix can be varied.

41.

The principle of invariant imbedding is :(a) The optimal control sequence is function of initial state(b) The optimal control sequence is function of number of stages N(c) Control problem is imbedded with the family of problems with fixed initial value and final state(d) The optimal control sequence is function of final stateThe question was posed to me by my college professor while I was bunking the class.My query is from Optimal Control Systems in portion Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer»

The correct answer is (c) Control PROBLEM is imbedded with the family of problems with fixed INITIAL value and final state

The explanation: In PRINCIPLE of INVARIANT imbedding we do not regard the control problem as an isolated problem with fixed initial value and N but rather imbed it with the family of problems.

42.

The choice of control vector is considered decision of interest in :(a) Multistage process of N stages(b) Minimizing the performance index(c) Optimal policy or sequence(d) All of the mentionedThe question was posed to me in a national level competition.Question is from Optimal Control Systems in division Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer»

The CORRECT ANSWER is (d) All of the mentioned

Explanation: The choice of control vector is considered decision of interest as it the part of MULTISTAGE process of N stages and this is optimal policy or SEQUENCE and this MINIMIZES the performance criteria.

43.

If the plant states are not variable for measurement, then it is possible to construct physical device state observer if :(a) Produces output at its plant states(b) Plants equations must satisfy the conditions of observability(c) Both a and b(d) Input must be presentThis question was addressed to me in semester exam.My question is from Optimal Control Systems topic in chapter Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer»

Right answer is (c) Both a and b

For EXPLANATION I would say: It produces at it OUTPUT the PLANT states, when driven by the both the plant input and output.

44.

The optimization method based on dynamic programming views :(a) Control problem as the multistage decision problem(b) Control input as a time sequence of decisions(c) A sampled data system gives rise to sequence of transformations of the original state vector(d) All of the mentionedThis question was posed to me in an internship interview.This key question is from Optimal Control Systems topic in chapter Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer» CORRECT answer is (d) All of the mentioned

Easiest explanation: The optimization method is based on dynamic programming views control problem as the multistage DECISION problem and control input as time SEQUENCE of decisions.
45.

By which of the following the control action is determined when a man walks along a path?(a) Brain(b) Hands(c) Legs(d) EyesI have been asked this question in an internship interview.My question is based upon Parameter Optimization : Servomechanims topic in portion Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer»

Correct answer is (d) EYES

The best I can explain: Control action is the action which is the GENERATED by the SYSTEM performance and DETERMINED by eyes when man walks along the path.

46.

The method of choosing compensator is the configuration must be:(a) Forward path(b) Cascade and feedback compensation(c) Feed forward configuration(d) All of the mentionedThis question was addressed to me in an online interview.I'd like to ask this question from Optimal Control Problems-2 in chapter Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer»

Right answer is (d) All of the mentioned

For EXPLANATION: The above mentioned are the VARIOUS configurations of CHOOSING a compensator.

47.

For the stability in optimal control poles of the transfer function must be :(a) Located on the right half of s plane(b) Left half of s plane(c) On the s plane(d) None of the mentionedThis question was addressed to me in an online interview.This key question is from Optimal Control Problems-2 topic in section Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer»

Correct answer is (B) Left half of s plane

To explain: For the stability point of VIEW the BASIC DEFINITION CONTINUES that the poles must be located on the left half of s plane.

48.

The performance index is reduced by:(a) State variable constraint(b) Input constraint(c) Control function minimization(d) Control function constraintI got this question in a national level competition.My query is from Optimal Control Problems in section Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer»

The CORRECT option is (c) Control function minimization

To explain: Once the PERFORMANCE index is calculated the NEXT TASK is to find the control function which is used to minimize the performance index.

49.

The major requirement of making the output of the system small in output regulator problem is :(a) The system must be controllable(b) The system must be stable(c) The system must be observable(d) The system must be LTIThis question was posed to me in semester exam.This intriguing question originated from Optimal Control Problems in chapter Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer» CORRECT choice is (C) The system MUST be observable

To elaborate: We are concerned with making the output of the output regulator problem SMALL this is achieved when the system is observable.
50.

Which of the following devices are commonly used as error detectors in instruments?(a) Vern stats(b) Microsyn(c) Resolvers(d) All of the mentionedI have been asked this question in an online interview.This question is from Parameter Optimization : Servomechanims in chapter Optimal Control Systems of Control Systems

Answer»

The correct answer is (d) All of the MENTIONED

For EXPLANATION I would say: All of the mentioned can be used as an error DETECTORS as they can give the DIFFERENCE between the current output and desired output.