Feedforward control is a type of compensation where a control signal is derived from a source in the system's environment (e.g. a disturbance or load) and fed to the controller (forward path). In the consequence, the control system is able to compensate for the load before it acts on the controlled variable.
Mechanisms of feedforward control cover - besides single signal transmission channels - parallely organised structures using lateral inhibition, antagonistic redundancy and reafference principle.
Typically, feedforward control structures are open loop systems, although they may be combined with feedback circuits.
Reference[]
- Franklin GF, Powell JD, Emami-Naeini A. Feedback Control of Dynamic Systems. Delhi: Pearson Education, 2002. ISBN 8178086751