1. Characteristics of Systems
Systems are Purposive
Systems can be Hierarchical
Systems operate in an Environment
Components serve Functions

2. Basic Functions of Components
Sensing ( information receiving )
Information Storage
Information Processing and Decision
Action Functions
Physical control action
Communication action

3. Closed-loop system vs. Open-loop system
Requires continuous control
Open-loop system
When activated, needs no further control

4. System Reliability Probability of successful performance
MTF ( Mean Time to Failure )
MTBF ( Mean Time Between Failures )

5. Series System vs. Parallel System
Components in Series
Rsys=R1*R2*． ． ． ． * Rn
Components in Parallel
Rsys=1-(1-R1)(1-R2) ． ． (1- Rn )