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, mechanical, and electro-mechanical systems using differential equations and state-space representations.
2	Determine the transfer functions of complex linear systems from block diagram representations and signal flow graphs.
3	Optimise design specifications in terms of the transient and steady-state performance of linear control systems.
4	Design a feedback control system using time and frequency domain methods.
5	Communicate the outcomes of an advanced control system's design.

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Pre-requisite	KME771
Anti-requisite (mutual excl)	ENG331

Alterations as a result of student feedback

The following alterations have been made to the unit in response to student feedback:

The design report task has been redeveloped to focus on a simulated plant rather than the same plant used in the Laboratory task.

The laboratory assessment has been altered from a traditional report, to a simplified pre-lab and in-lab pro-forma question sheet and a separate verbal assessment.

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:	Design report	Week 12	20 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5
Assessment Task 2:	Practical laboratory	Refer to Assessment Description	20 %	LO1, LO2, LO5
Assessment Task 3:	Assessed tutorials	Refer to Assessment Description	20 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5
Assessment Task 4:	Final exam	Exam Period	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Design report

Task Description:

Students are tasked to investigate the behaviour of a system plant in simulation and apply various techniques to design feedback controllers. Controller designs will need to consider their practical implementation and incorporate techniques to improve robustness.

The task will be completed in three stages, with the first two stages (each 15% of total weight) submitted as template reports in weeks 4 and 8, focusing on the system identification and uncompensated system performance evaluation respectively. The third stage (70% of total weight) will be submitted as a written report in week 12, covering the entire design process. A workshop session will be run for each stage of the design report to provide context, requisite technical skills development, and Q&A.

GenAI use is permitted (with acknowledgement).

Task Length:

Two short structured reports following a provided template for the first two stages, and a larger written report for the final stage (12 page maximum).

Due Date:

Week 12

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	Optimise designs to meet specified transients, steady state performance and robustness requirements.	LO3
4	Verify designs made using theoretical approaches.	LO4
5	Formulate findings in a technical report.	LO5

Assessment Task 2: Practical laboratory

Task Description:

Students will form groups and conduct a series of experiments consisting of two tasks applied to a physical plant.

Task 1: system identification, characterization and exploration of an open-loop system.

Task 2: tuning and evaluation of a closed-loop controller/compensator.

For both tasks, students will complete (in groups) a pre-lab analytical exercise to be submitted at the start of the practical laboratory session, and complete a proforma report of experimental measurements and observations during the practical session.

An individual verbal assessment will be conducted in week 12 assessing conceptual understanding of both lab tasks.

GenAI use is permitted (with acknowledgement).

Task Length:

Pre-lab task to be completed prior to each lab session. Proforma lab report to be completed during the lab sessions. A 5 minute individual verbal assessment of content from all lab tasks will be conducted at the end of semester.

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

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.	LO5

Assessment Task 3: Assessed tutorials

Task Description:

Each fortnight, students will complete a short set of analytical problems aligned with the topics covered in the preceding two weeks.

GenAI use is permitted (with acknowledgement)

Task Length:

6x assignments submitted fortnightly

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

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 and design feedback controllers	LO4
5	Formulate your solutions clearly and concisely.	LO5

Assessment Task 4: Final exam

Task Description:

Final Examination.

GenAI use is not permitted.

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	Using appropriate techniques to derive transfer functions	LO2
3	Assess systems responses in terms of their characteristic equations and time responses (natural and forced)	LO3
4	Derive and design controllers to achieve desire system responses	LO4

How your final result is determined

To pass ILO1 your aggregate mark on the components of the Final Exam and Design Report assessing ILO1 weighted according to their contribution to the final mark, must be greater than or equal to 50%.

To pass ILO2 your aggregate mark on the components of the Final Exam and Design Report assessing ILO2 weighted according to their contribution to the final mark, must be greater than or equal to 50%.

To pass ILO3 your aggregate mark on the components of the Final Exam and Design Research Report and Presentation assessing ILO3 weighted according to their contribution to the final mark, must be greater than or equal to 50%.

To pass ILO4 your aggregate mark on the components of the Design Report assessing ILO4 weighted according to their contribution to the final mark, must be greater than or equal to 50%.

To pass ILO5 your aggregate mark on the components of the Design Report assessing ILO5 weighted according to their contribution to the final mark, must be greater than or equal to 50%.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

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.