Higher order systems can exhibit very complex forms of behavior.

• Why learn about second order systems?
• Second order systems differ significantly from first order systems, and they exhibit behavior like decaying (and growing) oscillations that you don't find in first order systems.
• What should you know to learn about second order systems?
• You need to know about first order systems.  Although first order systems are different and are not as complex, there are some common concepts that are more easily learned (like DC gain, for example) from first order system examples.
• What do you need to know about second order systems?
• Generic Transfer Function for 2nd Order Systems (or at least for many 2nd order systems).
• Parameters in 2nd Order Systems
• DC Gain, G_dc
• Damping Ratio, z
• Undamped Natural Frequency, w_n
• Parameters in 2nd Order Systems - Relation to response characteristics.
• How DC Gain affects steady state response
• How Damping Ratio affects overshoot
• How Undamped Natural Frequency affects oscillation frequency
• How pole location affects response
• How do you use second order system concepts?
• Second order system concepts form the foundation for understanding more complex systems.  You probably won't find many second order systems in your work.  They will probably be much more complex than that, but you can use second order system concepts
• Problems
• Additional Information