Implementation of a fully analog feedback loop with a Carbon-Black-based fractional order controller

Fractional calculus is a mathematical framework that has attracted considerable interest from mathematicians, physicists, and engineers. Among its applications, the use of fractional calculus in the automatic control field has led to interesting results, such as more robust controllers, compared to their integer-order counterparts. The proposed work utilizes the physical realization of a solid-state fractional-order capacitor for the implementation of a fractional-order lead compensator. The proposed capacitor is realized using a carbon black-based dielectric. Therefore, a fully analog closed-loop system implementation is realized. A suitable case study is conducted to validate the controller performance, both from simulations and experimentally. The obtained results further confirm the possibility of realizing and applying a fully analog fractional-order controller.