What does a BODE plot illustrate in control systems?

A Bode plot is specifically designed to represent the frequency response of a system. It consists of two separate plots; one displays the magnitude (in decibels) of the system's output relative to its input across various frequencies, while the other shows the phase shift (in degrees) of the output signal in relation to the input at those same frequencies.

By effectively visualizing both magnitude and phase together, a Bode plot provides critical insights into how a system behaves over a range of frequencies, making it an essential tool for analyzing and designing control systems. This dual representation allows engineers and technicians to assess things like bandwidth, resonance, and stability margins, which are crucial for system performance.

Understanding the frequency response through Bode plots aids in the design and tuning of controllers, helping ensure that systems respond appropriately to dynamic inputs and maintain desired behavior across different operating conditions.