Control Systems

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites: SE1CA11 Computer Applications SE1FA15 Fundamentals and Applications of Computing or
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2016/7

Summary module description:
Aims:
The module aims to introduce the theory, modelling and design of control systems using the time and frequency domains, as well as s-plane methods.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module the students will able to analyse, model and design control systems using the time and frequency domains, as well as s-plane methods, including the use of MATLAB for such purposes.

Additional outcomes:
EA2 topics: Control Systems Design and Analysis

Outline content:
Fundamentals of control systems (10): First and second order linear systems. Concepts of system gain, time constant, damping ratio and undamped natural frequency. Use of the Laplace transform methods to analyse linear systems. Order of systems, poles and zeros. Introduction to the s-plane. Stability and Routh-Hurwitz criterion. Root locus diagrams. Procedures for sketching root loci. Design of systems using s-plane methods to meet closed-loop specifications. Introduction to three term controllers (PID). Design of PID controllers by pole placement methods given performance specifications.

Frequency Design (10): Transfer functions for electrical networks and mechanical systems. Introduction to frequency response. Bode plots. Frequency response using Matlab. Nyquist criterion. Stability analysis via Nyquist criterion, gain and phase margin. controller design via frequency response.

Modelling in MATLAB (3 labs): Introduction to MATLAB facilities for modelling, block diagram representation and manipulation of simple systems. Implementation of PID control in Matlab. Use MATLAB for elementary feedback control design in the frequency domain.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module comprises 2 lectures per week, associated laboratory practicals and assignment, and some revision tutorials. Laboratory practicals are used to reinforce the relevant lectures.

Contact hours:
Lectures- 20
Tutorials- 0
Guided independent study- 53
Total hours by term- 82
Total hours for module- 100

Summative Assessment Methods:
Written exam- 70%
Set exercise- 30%

Other information on summative assessment:
Formative assessment methods:
Length of examination:
One 2-hour examination paper in May/June.

Requirements for a pass:
40%

Reassessment arrangements:
Examination only.
One 2-hour examination paper in August/September.