In many disciplines we learn to understand how nature works and mathematically describe various phenomena in our environment. Automatic control enables us to use this knowledge to control these phenomena. In this module, the control of processes or systems to achieve a desired behaviour is investigated. The module enables to further develop the analysis and synthesis of linear, time-invariant control systems using time domain, frequency domain, and state-space techniques. It also introduces the analysis and synthesis of linear sampled discrete systems. The module builds upon the module EN2058 Control Engineering and links together several mathematical tools to develop controllers of simple dynamic systems. 

• LO1. Understand the analysis and synthesis of linear, time-invariant control systems using time domain, frequency domain and state-space techniques (AHEP C3/M3).  

• LO2. Develop control systems using frequency domain techniques to meet design specifications (AHEP C1/M1, C3/M3).  

• LO3. Develop control systems using time-domain and state-space techniques to meet design specifications (AHEP C1/M1, C3/M3).  

• LO4. Analyse linear discrete-time domain systems (AHEP C3/M3).  

The Engineering Council sets the overall requirements for the AHEP (Accreditation for Higher Education Programmes). It is the standard used by the UK engineering profession to assess the competence and commitment of individual engineers and technicians and is in its 4th iteration. Link: ahep-fourth-edition 

The module will be delivered in the Autumn semester through a blend of face-to-face sessions (guided lectures, problem-solving tutorials, feedback sessions) and asynchronous resources (including pre-recorded material for self-study, quizzes, numerical examples, and sample tutorial problems). These lessons involve the use of manual and computer-based implementation of the techniques.  

Each week there will be a compulsory face-to-face 2-hour lecture session with guided study and numerical examples. An additional compulsory face-to-face 1-hour session will be held to engage with tutorial problems and provide additional support. Provision of office hours to further support the learning experience will be provided.

A weekly breakdown of the module (module map) detailing teaching and learning content each week will be made available to you.  

Subject-Specific Skills: 

• Systematically understand the use of different control actions and use of critical judgement to design controllers to meet design specifications.  

• Use of frequency domain techniques to analyse the effect of feedback in closed-loop control systems and to design phase compensators to meet particular response criteria. 

• Use state-space methods and techniques to analyse and design control systems to meet particular response specifications. 

• Use Z-transform techniques to analyse discrete-time domain systems. 

• Understand and apply techniques to model discrete-time systems. 

• Effectively understand and use computer-aided tools for the analysis and design control systems. 

• Recognition of the importance of control systems in our everyday life. 

Professional & Practical Skills (AHEP4): 

• C1: Apply knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Some of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study.  
  • M1: Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering.  
• C3 Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, recognising the limitations of the techniques employed   
  • M3 Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed   

Transferable/Employability Skills (Graduate Attributes): 

Collaboration Skills: 

• C1: Contribute positively and effectively when working in a team, having an impact from the outset. 

Effective Communicators: 

• EC2: Communicate complex ideas effectively to diverse audiences. 

Independent and critical thinkers 

• ICT1: Identify, define and analyse complex issues and ideas, exercising critical judgement in evaluating sources of information. 

• ICT2: Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and engage in the pursuit of new knowledge and understanding. 

• ICT3: Investigate problems and offer effective solutions, reflecting on and learning from successes and failures. 

Innovative, enterprising and commercially aware: 

• IEC1: Generate original ideas and apply creative, imaginative and innovative thinking in response to identified needs and problems. 

Reflective & Resilient 

• RR1: Actively reflect on own studies, achievements and self-identity. 

• RR2: Demonstrate resilience, adaptability and creativity in dealing with challenges, and be open to change. 

• RR3: Identify and articulate own skills, knowledge and understanding confidently and in a variety of contexts. 

• RR4: Engage with new ideas, opportunities and technologies, building knowledge and experience to make informed decisions about own future. 

SUMMATIVE ASSSSMENT  

Students on this module are assessed via: 

• A written examination at the end of the Autumn term worth 100% of the module, covering LO1-4.  

Graduate attributes of problem-solving, critical thinking, reflection, and communication are developed here.  

Feedback on the summative examination will be provided in the form of a generic cohort feedback. 

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT  

Formative opportunities will partially cover LO1-4 through weekly quizzes, guided design, numerical examples, and problem-solving tutorial sessions.   

Feedback on formative work will be verbal in class. For online quiz provision, feedback will be also online. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Reassessment will be via a 2 hour written exam. 

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period. 

All resit assessments will be held in the Resit Examination period, prior to the start of the following academic session. 

• System modelling methods. 

• Use of feedback to meet design specifications. Advantages and cost of feedback control. 

• Control actions. 

• Introduction to computer-aided control system design. 

• Control system design in the frequency domain. Design of phase compensation. 

• State-space modelling and methods. 

• Design of state feedback controllers and state observers. 

• Introduction to discrete-time systems: z-transforms, modelling, closed-loop systems, and stability.