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. 

LO2. Develop control systems using time domain, frequency domain and state-space techniques to meet design specifications. 

LO3. Analyse linear discrete-time domain systems. 

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.

In addition to developing your problem solving, critical thinking, reflection and communication skills in-line with the graduate attributes for ‘Collaboration and communication’ and ‘Independent and critical thinking’ the module will support you in developing skills in: 

• 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. 

There is only one summative assessment in this module, which consists of a 2-hour individual written examination (100%) (LO 1-3). The examination consists of four equally weighted compulsory questions. Graduate attributes of problem-solving, critical thinking, reflection, and communication are developed here. This is to be held at the end of the Autumn term. Feedback on the summative examination will be provided in the form of a generic cohort feedback and your individual grade. 

Formative assessment will be in the form of weekly quizzes, guided design and numerical examples, and problem-solving tutorial sessions (LO 1-3). 

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

To pass the module and obtain 10 credits, the minimum pass mark of 40% must be achieved. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE:   

There is potential for re-assessment in this module, which will result in a 100% 2-hour individual written examination during the August Resit period (LO 1-3). 

Opportunity 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.