This module enables you to master the techniques on control design for systems which have high precision requirements in their operation. The module builds on control theory and concepts introduced in previous years of studies and provides further methods on control design and allow appreciation and understanding of the control of real engineering systems, including computer control. The module extends the control design up to the following topics, 1) Frequency response, 2) Pole placement, 3) PID control, 4) Time delay process control, 5) Digital control, 6) State-space method and 7) Control of multivariable systems which have cross-coupling issues between outputs. 

A prerequisite to study this module is that you have completed the Year 2 module EN2037 Control and Instrumentation or equivalent contents which include Laplace transform, system time response of first order and second order systems, stability assessment using pole locations and Routh-Hurwitz criterion. 

LO1. Design optimum control using the ITAE method. 

LO2. Evaluate control using the concept of phase margin and gain margin. 

LO3. Formulate a controller using the PID tuning method.  

LO4. Design control for time-delay systems, minimising or eliminating the effect of time delay. 

LO5. Design digital control using constraints on system response.  

LO6. Develop control using state-space methods.  

LO7. Decouple multivariable system for control design.  

The module will be delivered through a blend of face-to-face teaching (such as lectures, guided study, tutorials, and formative feedback sessions), and online learning material (such as recorded lectures, quizzes, numerical examples and sample tutorial problems). Structured problems are integrated within the module notes and you are encouraged to discuss their solutions within the class tutorial environment. You are expected to undertake all the tutorial questions and to relate them to the examples used during classes. This strengthening of knowledge in each module theme will help you towards meeting the learning outcomes. 

Throughout the module, you will develop your academic skills in independent and critical thinking. You will need to: 

• Plot Bode diagrams and Nyquist diagrams and figure out the phase margin and gain margin. 

• Identify the transfer function represented in Bode diagrams or Nyquist diagrams. 

• Design control using ITAE table, PID tuning method, Smith predictor, Phase/gain margin and system response specifications. 

• Incorporate a D/A converter into a system and develop the transfer function in z domain. 

• Complete s to z plane and z to w plane transformations. 

• Convert the control algorithm designed into codes for digital control.  

• Formulate the system time response formula, z to k transformation. 

• Build up state-space equations and manipulate matrix equations for control design. 

• Assess the controllability of a process. 

• Decouple multivariable processes for control design. 

• Stability assessment in t, s, z, w and w domains. 

• Predict the steady-state error, including tracking error. 

• Handle experimental data, design control and explain responses using theory learnt. 

This module is assessed through three summative components. 

1. Coursework 1(LO 1-3):  set in the middle of the Autumn semester and is worth 10% of the module mark. This coursework will follow the completion of a laboratory experiment. 

2. Coursework 2 (LO 4-7): set shortly before the end of the Autumn semester and is worth 10% of the module mark. This coursework will follow the completion of a second laboratory experiment. 

3. Two-hour examination (LO 1-7). The examination is held at the end of the Autumn semester and is worth 80% of the module mark.  

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

The re-assessment for this module will consist in a 2-hour written examination, worth 100% (LO 1-7) 

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. 

• Frequency response, Bode diagram, Nyquist diagram, phase and gain margins, effect of time delay 

• Control design, pole placement method, PID tuning, Smith predictor 

• Digital control systems, formulation, domain transforms, stability analysis, control design 

• State Space method, formulation of state-space equations, controllability, stability, closed-loop design. 

• Multivariable system control design