Unit Outline

This unit introduces the fundamental principles in the modelling and control of linear time-invariant systems. On completion of this unit you will be able to design a feedback controller. The unit begins with an introduction to feedback control systems with analogy to mechanical and electronic systems. These dynamic systems are described by deriving mathematical models in both the frequency domain and time domain. This leads to deriving characteristic equations for high-order systems which are illustrated using both system diagrams and signal flow graphs. Transformation techniques will be explored to convert system representations to controller design domains. System stability and steady state errors will be derived for various order inputs, while considering the effects of disturbances. This is followed by exploring parameter sensitivity to identify critical parts in the system. Once completed, the effects of adding feedback will be investigated using a root locus. The unit concludes with designing an active and passive PID controller using a root locus to meet specified output responses. These are fundamental control theory topics required for advanced automation and control systems, and embedded systems, which are studied later in the degree.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1	Model electrical and mechanical systems using differential equations and state-space representations.
2	Predict characteristics of uncompensated third order and higher linear time-invariant systems.
3	Design a feedback controller using a root locus to correct the transient and steady-state performance of a system to given specifications.
4	Communicate the design process of a control system using system block diagrams and signal flow graphs.

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Pre-requisite	ENG234 Analog Electronics (2023 and 2024 only) or ENG2xx Signals and linear systems (from 2025) or ENG211 Dynamics and Vibrations KMA252 and KAA111

Alterations as a result of student feedback

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Assessed tutorials	See the MyLO site for the due date	20 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 2:	Practical laboratory	Week 10	20 %	LO1, LO2, LO4
Assessment Task 3:	Design report	Week 13	20 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 4:	Final exam	Exam Period	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Assessed tutorials

Task Description:

In these sessions students will solve a series of problems relevant to the contents covered in that week. These sessions will conclude with the student submitting their work for assessment.

Task Length:

13x 1-hour assessed tutorial sessions (weekly)

Due Date:

See the MyLO site for the due date

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Model systems and verify responses using mathematical derivations and computer simulations.	LO1
2	Determine transfer functions from block diagrams and signal flow graphs.	LO2
3	Design feedback controllers to meet specified requirements.	LO3
4	Evaluate feedback controller.	LO4
5	Formulate your solutions clearly and concisely.	LO4

Assessment Task 2: Practical laboratory

Task Description:

Students will form groups and conduct a series of experiments during 2x 3-hour practical laboratory sessions on campus to illustrate various important concepts regarding control systems. The groups will be assessed via a record of their measurements and calculations completed during the sessions and follow-up individual verbal responses to questions.

Task Length:

Proforma to be completed during the lab sessions

Due Date:

Week 10

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Investigate a physical system and derive a model to predict its responses	LO1
2	Determine a transfer function for a real world system	LO2
3	Report findings and specified requirements.	LO4

Assessment Task 3: Design report

Task Description:

Students are tasked to investigate the behaviour of a system plant and apply various techniques to design feedback controllers. The designed controller will need to operate on higher order systems (fourth order or higher) with the aid of computer simulations to verify results. A written report is required to communicate the details in a professional manner.

Task Length:

Written report - 10 page maximum (appendices excluded)

Due Date:

Week 13

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Model a system using differential equations.	LO1
2	Determine the transfer functions and represent system with block diagrams and signal flow graphs.	LO2
3	Formulate designs to meet specified transients and steady state performance.	LO3
4	Verify designs using theoretical approaches	LO4

Assessment Task 4: Final exam

Task Description:

Final examination

Task Length:

3-hour exam

Due Date:

Exam Period

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Derive and investigate mathematical models of systems	LO1
2	Assess a system's response in terms of their characteristic equations and time responses (natural and forced)	LO2
3	Design controllers to achieve desire system responses	LO3
4	Illustrate controllers using block diagrams or signal flow graphs.	LO4

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.

Review of results and appeals

You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.