Overview

Indicative content includes:

• Introduction to control system, revision of laplace transforms Dynamic system modelling of mechanical, electromechanical, fluid and heat flow systems; analogies between different types of physical systems. The solution of ordinary differential equations; transfer functions; block diagram representation and manipulation; characteristics of second order systems.
• Principles of feedback; advantages and drawbacks of negative feedback; disturbance rejection; sensor noise; different types of feedback - proportional, integral and derivative. Dynamic performance indicators; steady state error; system type; regions in the s-plane related to different forms of dynamic response; stability criteria; time domain specifications.
• Pole and zero locations; relationship to step and frequency responses. The Bode plot; gain and phase margins as measures of stability.
• Lead compensation and its uses; lag compensation and its uses; application to improving control system performance; design guidelines and methods.
• Using simulation software tools for control systems analysis and design.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Equivalent to 40%.Uses key areas of theory or knowledge to meet the Learning Outcomes of the module. Is able to formulate an appropriate solution to accurately solve tasks and questions. Can identify individual aspects, but lacks an awareness of links between them and the wider contexts. Outputs can be understood, but lack structure and/or coherence.

-good -Equivalent to the range 60%-69%.Is able to analyse a task or problem to decide which aspects of theory and knowledge to apply. Solutions are of a workable quality, demonstrating understanding of underlying principles. Major themes can be linked appropriately but may not be able to extend this to individual aspects. Outputs are readily understood, with an appropriate structure but may lack sophistication.

-excellent -Equivalent to the range 70%+.Assemble critically evaluated, relevant areas of knowledge and theory to constuct professional-level solutions to tasks and questions presented. Is able to cross-link themes and aspects to draw considered conclusions. Presents outputs in a cohesive, accurate, and efficient manner.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyse a simple control system.

• Design a basic compensator for a control system.

• Employ low order linear mathematical models for physical systems.

• Justify, using primary performance measures, how negative feedback affects the dynamic response of a control system.

• Use a professional level CAD package.