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Closed-loop transfer function

Function describing the effects of feedback on a control system

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Source updated June 10, 2026

In control theory, a closed-loop transfer function is a mathematical function describing the net result of the effects of a feedback control loop on the input signal to the plant under control.

01Overview

The closed-loop transfer function is measured at the output. The output signal can be calculated from the closed-loop transfer function and the input signal. Signals may be waveforms, images, or other types of data streams.

An example of a closed-loop block diagram, from which a transfer function may be computed, is shown below:

The summing node and the G(s) and H(s) blocks can all be combined into one block, which would have the following transfer function:

${\dfrac {Y(s)}{X(s)}}={\dfrac {G(s)}{1+G(s)H(s)}}$

$G(s)$ is called the feed forward transfer function, $H(s)$ is called the feedback transfer function, and their product $G(s)H(s)$ is called the open-loop transfer function.

02Derivation

We define an intermediate signal Z (also known as error signal) shown as follows:

Using this figure we write:

$Y(s)=G(s)Z(s)$

$Z(s)=X(s)-H(s)Y(s)$

Now, plug the second equation into the first to eliminate Z(s):

$Y(s)=G(s)[X(s)-H(s)Y(s)]$

Move all the terms with Y(s) to the left hand side, and keep the term with X(s) on the right hand side:

$Y(s)+G(s)H(s)Y(s)=G(s)X(s)$

Therefore,

$Y(s)(1+G(s)H(s))=G(s)X(s)$

$\Rightarrow {\dfrac {Y(s)}{X(s)}}={\dfrac {G(s)}{1+G(s)H(s)}}$

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Sources and credits

This article is adapted from the Wikipedia article “Closed-loop transfer function”, written by its contributors and licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Fathomly has changed the layout, removed citation markers, navigation and maintenance notices, and adjusted punctuation. This adapted version is shared under the same license. For references, see the original article.

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Closed-loop transfer function

01Overview

02Derivation

Sources and credits

Related topics

Federal Standard 1037C

Open-loop controller

Control theory