Algorithms for Transformations Between Block Diagrams and Signal Flow Graphs

Abstract Several aspects of handling block diagram and signal flow graph representations of systems in a graphical pre-processor for the computer-aided design of control systems are considered in the paper. Both matrix and rule-based methods for implementing these forms of system representation, and for transforming one form into the other, are described, and it is concluded that the rule-based methods show considerable benefits and promise for future developments, which include an automatic layout tool for post-processing the output of the transformation algorithms.