Characteristics of Systems Systems are Purposive Systems can be Hierarchical Systems operate in an Environment Components serve Functions
Basic Functions of Components Sensing ( information receiving ) Information Storage Information Processing and Decision Action Functions Physical control action Communication action
Closed-loop system vs. Open-loop system Requires continuous control Open-loop system When activated, needs no further control
System Reliability Probability of successful performance MTF ( Mean Time to Failure ) MTBF ( Mean Time Between Failures )
Series System vs. Parallel System Components in Series Rsys=R1*R2*. . . . * Rn Components in Parallel Rsys=1-(1-R1)(1-R2) . . (1- Rn )