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rlocus
rlocus(sys)
rlocus(sys1,sys2,...)
rlocus computes the Evans root locus of a SISO open-loop model. The root
locus gives the closed-loop pole trajectories as a function of the
feedback gain
(assuming negative feedback). Root loci are used
to study the effects of varying feedback gains on closed-loop pole
locations. In turn, these locations provide indirect information on
the time and frequency responses.
rlocus(sys) calculates and plots the root locus of the open-loop SISO model sys. This function can be applied to any of the following negative feedback loops by setting sys appropriately.

If sys has transfer function
![]()
the closed-loop poles are the roots of
![]()
rlocus adaptively selects a set of positive
gains
to produce a smooth plot. Alternatively,
rlocus(sys,k)
uses the user-specified vector k of gains to plot the root locus.
rlocus(sys1,sys2,...) draws the root loci of multiple LTI models sys1, sys2,... on a single plot. You can specify a color, line style, and marker for each model, as in
rlocus(sys1,'r',sys2,'y:',sys3,'gx').
When invoked with output arguments,
[r,k] = rlocus(sys) r = rlocus(sys,k)
return the vector k of selected gains and the complex root locations r for these gains. The matrix r has length(k) columns and its jth column lists the closed-loop roots for the gain k(j).
Find and plot the root-locus of the following system.
![]()
h = tf([2 5 1],[1 2 3]); rlocus(h)

You can use the right-click menu for rlocus to add grid lines, zoom in or out, and invoke the Property Editor to customize the plot. Also, click anywhere on the curve to activate a data marker that displays the gain value, pole, damping, overshoot, and frequency at the selected point.
![]() | reshape | rlocusplot | ![]() |
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