Module overview
This module guides students through the development of knowledge and understanding of linear continuous-time systems. It then introduces the basic analysis and design tools for electronic system control and provides opportunities to develop practical design skills based on these. The module further provides practice in different specific application areas for each of the main Programmes, covering the use of control system design in these areas. FInally, it provides pre-requisite knowledge and understanding for level 6 and level 7 optional modules in systems and control engineering.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Analyse and design simple linear control systems.
- Apply time and frequency domain techniques for the analysis of linear systems of any order.
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Use software for the design and analysis of control systems.
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- The principles of linear systems control theory
- The techniques used to design and analyse the performance of control systems.
- The relevance of frequency-domain analysis in different aspects of engineering.
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Use the Laplace and Fourier Domains to analyse problems.
- Use mathematical software for design and simulation.
Syllabus
All students study block 1.
Block 1 (All cohorts)
- Revision of Laplace transform
- Response to sinusoidal inputs and Bode plots
- Asymptotics for Bode plots
- From frequency response to transfer function
- Block diagrams, including noise and disturbance
- Stability
- Feedback for stability
- Sensitivity to parameter variations
- Sensitivity to disturbance
- Steady-state error
- Transfer functions and Characteristic Equations: Definitions
- s-plane and time-based transient response
- Controllers acting on error (P, PI, PD and PID)
- Root locus
- Root locus and controller design in the s-plane
- Polar frequency response
- Stability in frequency domain: mapping contours between planes
- Nyquist stability
- Compensators
- Linear system models from Bode plot analysis
Block 2 is Programme dependent EEE students choose either 2A or 2B.
2A for students registered on ETE degrees,
2B for students registered on EPE, MTE, AEE degrees,
2C for students registered on Biomedical Engineering.
Block 2A Electronics - An introduction to digital control/embedded system controllers/self tuning controller implementation.
Digital implementation of controllers.
- Brief overview of discretisation and quantisation
- Sample and hold operations
- Difference equations
Digital PID Controllers
- Standard/Incremental Forms
- Tuning approaches
Self-tuning Control
- Advantages/disadvantages
- Honeywell self-tuning system (SOAS)
- Self-tuning PID control
Block 2B Electrical, Mechatronics, Aerospace Electronics - Modelling of Multiple DOF mechanical systems:
One Degree of Freedom Systems.
- Application of Laplace transform and state space methods to mechanical systems.
- Analysis of dynamic response and role of Damping (Viscous and Coulomb) Base Excitation,
- Displacement Transmissibility Vibration Isolation.
Two Degree of Freedom Systems.
- Modelling of two degree of freedom systems in state space form.
- Physical interpretation of solutions.
- Free Vibration and Normal Modes, Co-ordinate Coupling and Principal Co-ordinates, Forced Vibration, Damping, Impedance Matrix, Vibration Absorber.
- Decoupling using Modal Matrix.
Multi Degree of Freedom Systems.
- Orthogonality, Modal Space Matrix Methods, Approximate Frequency Analysis, e.g. Rayleigh’s, Dunkerley’s Methods Lagrange’s Equations.
Block 2C Biomedical Engineering - Biomedical Application of control theory and signal processing
Mathematical Modelling
- Generalised System Properties
- Linear models of Physiological Systems
- Example: Linear Model of Lung Dynamics
- Example: Linearised Model of Skeletal Muscle
- Computer Analysis and Simulation
Static Analysis of Physiological Systems
- Determination of the Steady-State Operating Point
- Steady-state Analysis using Simulink
- Example: Regulation of Cardiac Output
- Example: Regulation of Glucose
- Example: Chemical Regulation of Ventilation
Time-Domain Analysis of Linear Control Systems
- Respiratory Mechanics: Open-Loop vs Closed-Loop
- Simulink Application: Neuromuscular Reflex Motion
Frequency-Domain Analysis of Linear Control Systems
- Frequency Response of Respiratory Mechanics
- Frequency Response of Circulatory Control
- Frequency Response of Glucose-Insulin Regulation
Stability Analysis
- Stability Analysis of Respiratory Mechanics
- Stability Analysis of the Pupillary Light Reflex
- Model of Cheyne-Stokes Breathing
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The content of this module is delivered through lectures, module website, directed reading and tutorials.
Students work on their understanding through a combination of independent study, preparation for timetabled activities, tutorials, along with formative assessments in the form of problem sheets.
Students work on their practical skills and technical understanding in technical laboratories.
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Preparation for scheduled sessions | 9 |
Follow-up work | 18 |
Lecture | 36 |
Revision | 14 |
Specialist Laboratory | 12 |
Tutorial | 6 |
Completion of assessment task | 30 |
Wider reading or practice | 29 |
Total study time | 154 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Dorf R C & Bishop R H (5). Modern Control Systems. Pearson Prentice Hall.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
This module is assessed by a combination of coursework, assessed laboratories and a final assessment in the form of a written examination.
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Examination | 70% |
Laboratory | 30% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Examination | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Examination | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External