mathematics

Functional block diagram

Functional block diagram is a mathematics topic covered in the lgStudy science library. This page brings together a partial reference excerpt, illustrations, worked examples, real-world applications and a short study plan, so you can understand Functional block diagram rather than just read about it. In short: A functional block diagram, in systems engineering and software engineering, is a block diagram that describes the functions and interrelationships of a system. The functional block diagram can picture: functions of a system pictured by blocks input and output elements of a block pictured with lines the relationships between the functions, and the functional sequences and paths for matter and or signals The block di…

Key takeaways

Functional block diagram belongs to mathematics; place it in that map before memorising details.
Learn the definition first, then one example that makes the definition concrete.
Connect Functional block diagram to a quantity you can measure, compute or draw — that is where exam questions come from.
Reproduce the core statement of Functional block diagram from memory before moving on to harder problems.

Reference excerpt

functions of a system pictured by blocks input and output elements of a block pictured with lines the relationships between the functions, and the functional sequences and paths for matter and or signals The block diagram can use additional schematic symbols to show particular properties. Since the late 1950s, functional block diagrams have been used in a wide range applications, from systems engineering to software engineering. They became a necessity in complex systems design to "understand thoroughly from exterior design the operation of the present system and the relationship of each of the parts to the whole." Many specific types of functional block diagrams have emerged. For example, the functional flow block diagram is a combination of the functional block diagram and the flowchart. Many software development methodologies are built with specific functional block diagram techniques. An example from the field of industrial computing is the Function Block Diagram (FBD), a graphical language for the development of software applications for programmable logic controllers.

See also Function model Functional flow block diagram

References

Illustrations

Worked examples

Example 1 — a first encounter with Functional block diagram

Start with the simplest possible case. Write down what Functional block diagram claims or describes in one sentence, then invent the smallest concrete situation in which that sentence is true. In mathematics, the smallest case is usually a single object, a single equation or a single measurement. Check that every symbol or term in your sentence has a meaning in that case.

Example 2 — changing one variable

Take the situation from Example 1 and change exactly one quantity: double it, halve it, or set it to zero. Predict what should happen to Functional block diagram before you calculate. Comparing your prediction with the result is the fastest way to find out whether you understand the idea or only the words.

Example 3 — an exam-style question

Typical questions about Functional block diagram ask you to (a) state it precisely, (b) apply it to given data, and (c) explain a limitation. Practise writing all three answers in under five minutes; the third part is what separates a full-mark answer from an average one.

Applications of Functional block diagram

In research: Functional block diagram appears in mathematics research whenever the underlying quantities have to be modelled precisely. Papers usually cite it as a starting assumption and then explore where it breaks down.
In technology and industry: Engineering practice reuses Functional block diagram in design rules, simulations and safety margins. Knowing the idea lets you read a specification sheet and understand why the numbers look the way they do.
In the classroom: Functional block diagram is common in secondary-school and first-year university syllabi. It links to neighbouring topics Diagrams, Systems engineering, so understanding it makes those chapters shorter.
In everyday life: Look for Functional block diagram outside the textbook — in sport, cooking, traffic, electronics or the sky above you. An example you found yourself is remembered far longer than one you were given.

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How to study Functional block diagram in 20 minutes

Read the reference excerpt below once, without taking notes.
Close the page and write down what Functional block diagram means in your own words.
Compare your version with the excerpt and mark what you missed.
Work through the three examples above with pen and paper.
Explain Functional block diagram out loud to somebody else — or to Teacher Smith in the lgStudy chat.

Frequently asked questions

What is Functional block diagram in simple terms?

A functional block diagram, in systems engineering and software engineering, is a block diagram that describes the functions and interrelationships of a system. The functional block diagram can picture: functions of a system pictured by blocks input and output elements of a block pictured with line…

Why does Functional block diagram matter?

Because it connects several mathematics ideas at once: it gives you a definition you can apply, a quantity you can calculate, and a way to check whether a result is plausible.

How should I study Functional block diagram?

Read the excerpt, restate it from memory, then work through the examples and applications listed on this page. The five-step study plan above takes about twenty minutes.

What does this page cover?

It gives you a compact reference excerpt plus original lgStudy explanations, examples, applications and study material on Functional block diagram.