CONTROL SYSTEMS

Course Description

Control systems examine advanced analysis and design issues in linear feedback control systems. The course also provides an in-depth introduction to the fundamental concepts of linear system theory using both transfer function and state equation system descriptions.

Emphasis is placed on the design of feedback controllers and state estimators for pole-placement, robust regulation, tracking and disturbance rejection, in the context of real world industrial process applications.

Course Objectives

The objectives of this course are, to:

a) Introduce various fundamental types of control systems and describe how they work using block diagrams and transfer functions;

b) Present the common elements that make up a critically-damped control system;

c) Explain the application of analog and digital principles to control system operation and design;

d) Illustrate mathematically control systems;

e) Equip students with the skills to program a microcontroller to control both discrete and continuous processes;

f) Expose students to more advanced topics e.g. multivariable systems, pole assignment, Kalman filters;

g) Provide experience in several lab implementations of control systems.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course students will achieve the following:

a) Get a thorough understanding about linear systems theory and multivariable system design;

b) Model a physical system (including continuous-time systems and discrete-time systems);

c) Derive system response for a given input, and how to analyze system characteristics such as stability, controllability and observability;

d) Describe and design control systems;

e) Develop a control law so that system response satisfies certain properties;

f) An understanding of robust stability theory through linear differential equations;

g) Ability to use tools like Matlab and Simulink.