Control systems

What it covers

This unit introduces the fundamental principles and techniques used in the analysis and design of control systems. Feedback is presented as a key mechanism for achieving predictable system behaviour that meets specified performance objectives. Specifically, the unit explores the modelling of dynamical systems using differential and difference equations, transfer functions, and state-space representations. Foundational concepts in control system analysis and design are developed, including poles and zeros, transient and steady-state behaviour, and reachability and observability. The notions of bounded-input bounded-output (BIBO), internal, and robust stability are introduced. You will gain an understanding of PID control, as well as state and output feedback techniques. Graphical methods such as root locus, Bode plots, and Nyquist plots are introduced as tools for analysing parameter variation, frequency response, and system stability. The unit also covers discrete-time (sampled-data) control systems and introduces emulation-based design methods.

Assessment

Hurdle tasks must be passed regardless of your overall mark.

When and where