Implementation of a fully analog feedback loop with a Carbon-Black-based fractional order controller

Fractional calculus is a mathematical framework that has attracted considerable interest from math-ematicians, physicists, and engineers. Among its applications, the use of fractional calculus in the automatic control field has led to interesting results, such as more robust controllers, compared to their integer-order counterparts. The proposed work utilizes the physical realization of a solid-state fractional-order capacitor for the implementation of a fractional-order lead compensator. The proposed capacitor is realized using a carbon black-based dielectric. Therefore, a fully analog closed-loop system implementation is realized. A suitable case study is conducted to validate the controller performance, both from simulations and experimentally. The obtained results further confirm the possibility of realizing and applying a fully analog fractional-order controller.(c) 2022 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.