Metrology Glossary: Overshoot

What Is Overshoot?

Overshoot is a phenomenon where a system’s response to a sudden input change exceeds the intended output level. It occurs due to inherent system inertia, with the extent of overshoot influenced by system damping and input change speed. Systems with lower damping exhibit more pronounced overshoot as they struggle to dissipate excess energy during their response. In engineering, control systems, and electronics, managing overshoot is vital for precise, stable performance and safety. Engineers can minimize overshoot by fine-tuning system parameters, ensuring a controlled and efficient approach to the desired state. Understanding and mitigating overshoot is essential in various applications to maintain system reliability and performance.

Why Is Overshoot Important?

Control Systems:

Robotics: Precision in robotic manipulators is compromised by overshooting during movement. Tuning control algorithms minimizes overshoot, ensuring accurate path tracking.
Aerospace: Sudden flight direction changes lead to overshoot in autopilot systems. Careful control gain tuning prevents overreactions, maintaining stable flight conditions.
Power Systems: Load switching in electrical grids causes voltage/current overshoot. Effective management prevents equipment damage, ensuring power grid reliability.

Electronics:

Signal Processing: Electronic circuit overshoot distorts signals. Optimizing circuits minimizes overshoot, preserving signal accuracy.
Audio Systems: Overshoot in speaker systems results in unpleasant sound. Controlled damping in loudspeakers and amplifiers suppresses overshoot for high-quality audio.
Power Converters: Output voltage overshoot in converters can damage devices. Well-designed control circuits and filters prevent overshoot, maintaining stable output.

Mechanical Systems:

Vehicle Suspensions: Car suspension overshoot affects ride comfort. Shock absorbers and precise design minimize overshoot for a smooth driving experience.
Building Control Systems: Temperature or pressure overshoot wastes energy. Tuning control parameters and using dampers efficiently reach desired setpoints, ensuring comfort.