On the determination of limit cycles in relay control systems with additional saturation type non-linear elements†

Exact and approximate methods of determination of limit cycles in a relay control system including an actuator with PI transfer function and limited output are given. No restrictions are imposed on the order of the plant transfer function. The stability of the limit cycles may be checked using one of the well-known methods, using the describing function concept. With the help of an example it is indicated that the methods suggested give reliable results in eases where the use of the conventional describing function fails.