41277 Control Design
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Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Undergraduate
Result type: Grade and marksRequisite(s): 48540 Signals and Systems
Recommended studies:
systems and states; transfer function
Description
This electrical and electronic engineering common core subject provides a comprehensive introduction to principles and techniques used in the analysis and design of control systems. Students explore topics such as mathematical modelling of dynamic systems, transfer function and state-space representations, stability analysis, frequency response methods, and feedback control. They gain practical experience through demonstrations and simulations, while preparing for more advanced project work in control systems. By the end of the subject, students are able to transform a manual plant into an autonomous system by mathematically representing and analysing the behaviour of a dynamic system, designing stable control strategies, and guarantee closed-loop dynamic performance. Students can apply this knowledge to engineering challenges in areas such as Industry 4.0, robotics, automation, renewable energy integration, electric vehicles, and all kinds of electromechanical systems.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Design an autonomous control system that conforms to given specifications. (C.1) |
|---|---|
| 2. | Identify model uncertainties and/or disturbances that affect control system performance to enhance robustness. (D.1) |
| 3. | Collaborate for optimal project proficiency as part of networking with stakeholders. (E.1) |
| 4. | Reflect on individual progress through question formulation at different stages of a project. (F.1) |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):
- Design Oriented: FEIT graduates apply problem solving, design and decision-making methodologies to develop components, systems and processes to meet specified requirements. (C.1)
- Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply abstraction, mathematics and discipline fundamentals, software, tools and techniques to evaluate, implement and operate systems. (D.1)
- Collaborative and Communicative: FEIT graduates work as an effective member or leader of diverse teams, communicating effectively and operating within cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural contexts in the workplace. (E.1)
- Reflective: FEIT graduates critically self-review their performance to improve themselves, their teams, and the broader community and society. (F.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies
This subject contributes to the development of the following Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies:
- 1.1. Comprehensive, theory-based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.
- 1.2. Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline.
- 2.1. Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving
- 2.2. Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
- 3.5. Orderly management of self, and professional conduct
- 3.6. Effective team membership and team leadership
Teaching and learning strategies
This electrical and electronic engineering common core subject is organised into two main sections.
The first section begins in week 1 and concludes in week 7. These first 7 weeks are designed to promote the enhancement of technical proficiency.
The second section begins in Week 1 with formation of teams of 3 students to begin work on their Project Requirements and Solution Design Rationale which will come into effect during week 8 – week 12.
You will participate in expertly coordinated 2-hour Workshops and 2-hour guided Demonstration Lab Practical sessions during the first 6 weeks.
To prepare for each weekly Workshop, you will have the advantage of gauging online material through the Canvas subject site. This carefully curated material is in the form of texts, videos, and simulations.
Each Workshop will be based on the pre-prepared materials for discussion and question formulation where feedback is provided to clarify and guide self-reflection. Workshops are where you will set-up and use a Gantt chart, record meeting minutes, set and adhere to deliverables, use MS Teams channels for communication and interpret MATLAB and Arduino software applications.
Each Laboratory class is scheduled for you to develop your ability to demonstrate control engineering knowledge in practice. In both settings you will receive peer review, give peer review, receive feedback and use the peer reviews and feedback to make improvements or changes to optimise your demonstration skills. Question formulation forms the basis of both Lab Demonstrations and Workshops.
Two case studies will be discussed and applied to solve a different problem during the first section of the semester, during week 3 and week 5. You will be expected to culminate the learning from these case studies and practical application practices in the final Mastery Demonstration in Week 7.
Following the successful completion of the Mastery Demonstration assessment, you will continue in your team to engage in a Team Project and build additional professional skills by applying the learning from case studies and lab demonstration practicals. You will receive support for your project from the teaching team during the weekly lab sessions. Collaboratively discussion and clarification of theoretical knowledge will take place during the weekly workshop sessions. The Team Project will have an official mid-way checkpoint in week 10 for you to receive the optimal feedback to make final improvements or changes. In week 12, you and your team will present the Team Project Demonstration. You will present as a team, yet you will be assessed on individual merit. A final Team Report is due in the final assessment period. The report will include the details of the semester milestones and further information on report expectations is provided in the subject Canvas site.
Content (topics)
- System modelling based on Euler-Lagrange and identification methods.
- System analysis in time- and frequency-domain.
- Continuous-time control system design.
- Discretization techniques for control systems
- Representation of a controller as a control algorithm.
- Stability analysis, sensitivity analysis, and stability margins.
- Study of classic PID controllers and phase lead-lag compensators.
- Study state feedback controllers and observers.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Demonstration Practical 1
| Intent: | To demonstrate theoretical and practical knowledge of dynamic system modelling. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1 and 2 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Case study |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 15% |
| Length: | 2000 words |
Assessment task 2: Demonstration Practical 2
| Intent: | To demonstrate theoretical and practical knowledge of control system design. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1 and 2 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Case study |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 15% |
| Length: | 2000 words |
Assessment task 3: Mastery Demonstration
| Intent: | To demonstrate practical knowledge of system modelling and control system design. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1, D.1, E.1 and F.1 |
| Type: | Demonstration |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 20% |
| Length: | 15 min presentation |
Assessment task 4: Team Project Checkpoint
| Intent: | To demonstrate knowledge of feedback control, including modelling, analysis, control design and computational simulation. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1, D.1, E.1 and F.1 |
| Type: | Reflection |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | Mandatory task that does not contribute to subject mark |
| Length: | 15 min presentation |
Assessment task 5: Team Project Demonstration
| Intent: | To demonstrate practical skills in implementation of control strategies, including the design process and performance evaluation of real-world dynamic systems under control. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1, D.1, E.1 and F.1 |
| Type: | Project |
| Groupwork: | Group, individually assessed |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | 15 min presentation |
Assessment task 6: Team Project Report
| Intent: | To demonstrate understanding of the challenges and requirements of autonomous control systems design. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1, D.1, E.1 and F.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Group, individually assessed |
| Weight: | 20% |
| Length: | 6,000 words |
Minimum requirements
In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.
Required texts
- Nise, N. S. (2019). Control systems engineering (8th ed.). John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
- Franklin, G. F., Powell, J. D., & Emami-Naeini, A. (2019). Feedback control of dynamic systems (8th ed.). Pearson.
Recommended texts
- Goodwin, G.C., Graebe, S.F. & Salgado, M.E. (2001). Control system design. Prentice Hall.
- Dorf, R. C., & Bishop, R. H. (2021). Modern control systems (14th ed.). Pearson.
- Ogata, K. (2010). Modern control engineering (5th ed.). Prentice Hall.
Other resources
Matlab http://www.mathworks.com
Understanding Control Systems: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLn8PRpmsu08q8CE0pbZ-cSrMm_WYJfVGd