Electronics, Drives and Control

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• apply standard design techniques to achieve satisfactory closed-loop performance
• understand the use of design methods applicable in a range of situations other than electronic circuits
• understand the sensing, elementary machine and control issues surrounding closed loop motor speed control
• analyse time and frequency domain response characteristics from plots, determine stability and predict responses for modified plots.
• demonstrate a good grounding in the subject area of electronics
• derive a model, making justifiable assumptions, from a description of a physical system
• demonstrate a working knowledge of the advantages, problems and limitations associated with a range of common digital and analogue circuits.
• appreciate the methods used in experimentation involving electronic circuits
• demonstrate a working knowledge of fundamental mathematical tools used in system analysis and design

Electronics

1) Basic AC circuit theory: introduction of frequency response (magnitude and phase) of passive circuits. Introduction of Laplace notation (s = d/dt = jw) for system transfer functions.

2) Feedback amplifiers, detailed operational amplifier characteristics (e.g. GBP, phase shift, slew rate). Op Amp circuit designs: amplifiers, integrators, differentiators, simple first order filters (low, high and band pass). Comparison of time and frequency domain analysis of signals and circuits.

3) Review of power supply design. Voltage regulation and protection diodes.

4) Active filter circuit analysis and design, effects of damping (Chebyshev, Butterworth and Bessel), comparison of transfer functions with mechanical system analogies.

5) D to A converters (binary weighted, R-2R ladder). A to D converters (successive approximation, tracking, integrating, examples of algorithm implementation in hardware and software). Introduction to sampling and aliasing.

6) Digital circuits: analysis of CMOS circuits. Combinational circuit design. Introduction to microprocessors, memories and common digital devices. Interface circuits, relays etc.

7) Sequential logic: Design of simple counters and state machines.

8) Algorithmic State Machine design. Use of high level description languages for combinational and sequential logic design. Examples of decoders, counters, stepper motor driver etc.

Motors and Drives

9) Motor Speed Control:

a) review of electric machine types and torque speed characteristics

b) Introduction to power electronic switches and their control

c) Introduction to variable speed drives

Control

10) Linear systems theory:

a) Mathematical modelling of physical systems

b) review of time domain analysis of linear systems dynamics

c) stability, performance measures and design process

d) example control systems

11) System Representation in the s-domain

a) the Laplace transform and system transfer function,

b) free/forced behaviour and the characteristic equation,

c) system poles and zeros, relative and absolute stability, root loci,

d) steady-state error and the final value theorem.

12) Closed-loop control systems

a) open/closed loop transfer function definitions,

b) performance measures in control system design,

c) PID control system definitions and characteristics.

d) control system design examples,

e) stability in the s-domain, the Root locus method,

13) Frequency response of linear systems

a) sinusoidal excitation and Fourier Series,

b) forecasting gain and phase, the frequency response function

c) graphical representation of frequency response, Bode plots.

Teaching and learning methods

The teaching methods employed in the delivery of this module include:

• Lectures, tutorial problems, question sheets, worked examples.
• Supervision for problem solving classes supporting lecture materials.
• Laboratory exercises and reporting

The learning activities include:

• Individual reading of background material and course texts, plus work on examples, supported by examples in lectures.
• In-class tests and other formative computer based assessments covering core techniques and principles.
• Problem solving supervision

Assessment strategy

Feedback on in-class tests and other formative computer based assessments.

Verbal feedback in lectures on tests/assignments.

Discussions in tutorials and lab classes.

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

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.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External