MASON--Frequency-response program for continuous and discrete control systems

MASON is a frequency-response computer program useful in the design and analysis of linear control systems. Complex signal flow graphs involving either Laplace- or
z
-transform transmittances are reduced via a computational algorithm based on Mason's Gain Formula. Continuous-time systems are evaluated with
s = jw
, and discrete-time systems use
z = \exp(sT)
. The transmittances may include polynomial expressions, transport lags, or actual gain/ phase data from experimental testing. The input structure is user-oriented, providing for simple transfer-function representation between nodes. Frequency response, resonant peak, resonant frequency, and gain and phase margins are calculated where appropriate, and form the program output.