University of Technology Sydney

49329 Control of Mechatronic Systems

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Engineering: Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level:

Postgraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): (48660 Dynamics and Control AND (120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10061 Bachelor of Engineering Diploma Engineering Practice OR 120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10066 Bachelor of Engineering Science OR 120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10067 Bachelor of Engineering OR 120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C09067 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Diploma Professional Engineering Practice OR 120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C09066 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)))
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses. See access conditions.

Description

The objectives of this subject are to develop students' skill in understanding fundamental principles in the analysis and control of mechatronic systems, familiarise students with different advanced control techniques and teach students to be able to apply computer-based tools for practical control system design applications. Topics include state-space modelling of linear and nonlinear systems, stability, controllability and observability, linear quadratic control, observer design, H-infinity control, model predictive control, neural network control and fuzzy logic control. Case studies of engineering applications are also covered.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

1. Grasp fundamental principles in the modelling and analysis of practical mechatronics systems. (D.1)
2. Grasp fundamental concepts and methods of controller design for linear and nonlinear control systems with state-space models. (D.1)
3. Apply the analysis and control techniques to practical control system design applications. (C.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 thinking and decision-making methodologies in new contexts or to novel problems, to explore, test, analyse and synthesise complex ideas, theories or concepts. (C.1)
  • Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply theoretical, conceptual, software and physical tools and advanced discipline knowledge to research, evaluate and predict future performance of systems characterised by complexity. (D.1)

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies

Students enrolled in the Master of Professional Engineering should note that this subject contributes to the development of the following Engineers Australia Stage 1 competencies:

  • 1.3. In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within 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.

Teaching and learning strategies

Student learning in this subject is facilitated through a combination of online video lectures, seminars, small in-class group work, computer laboratories, and a practical group project. Topic notes and videos are used to introduce students to the key fundamental concepts and their interrelations. Face-to-face class time is divided into two parts: there is a 1.5-hour interactive seminar-style activity followed by a 1.5-hour tutorial-style activity per week.

Students are expected to read the topic notes and watch the Canvas videos before coming to the classes. The seminar portion of class time will discuss the major issues and questions raised from the students regarding control system analysis and design. The tutorial portion of class time will involve students forming small groups to work on appropriate tutorial-style problems which help to motivate, illustrate and exemplify the concepts presented in the topic notes and video lectures. Academic staff will facilitate group and whole-of-class discussions on selected problems, with the aim of illustrating techniques and providing immediate feedback on problem-solving processes. Some class time also occurs in computer labs where students are introduced to MATLAB® and Simulink software tools which are used in industry.

A group project is undertaken by students so that they apply the learned control methodologies to a practical application. Each group submits a technical report and makes an oral presentation on their control system, to give students practice in communicating technical ideas.

Written and verbal feedback, including low stakes assessment, is provided to students to gauge their learning progress throughout the session. The face-to-face time is used to provide immediate verbal feedback, whilst written feedback is provided on written assessment tasks. Students also receive verbal feedback from their peers whilst undertaking the group project.

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Assignment 1

Intent:

Modelling and analysis of mechatronic systems

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

1 and 3

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

C.1 and D.1

Type: Exercises
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 20%

Assessment task 2: Assignment 2

Intent:

Feedback control of linear and nonlinear mechatronic systems

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

2

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

D.1

Type: Laboratory/practical
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 20%

Assessment task 3: Project

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

2 and 3

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

C.1 and D.1

Type: Project
Groupwork: Group, group and individually assessed
Weight: 30%

Assessment task 4: Exam

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):

D.1

Type: Examination
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 30%

Minimum requirements

In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.

References

[1] Katsuhiko Ogata, Modern Control Engineering, (3rd Edition)

[2] Jefferey B. Burl, Linear Optimal Control, Addison Wesley.

[3] Control Tutorial for MATLAB, http://www.engin.umich.edu/group/ctm/state/state.html

[4] J.M. MacIejowski, Multivariable Feedback Design, Addison-Wesley, 1989

[5] Branislav Kisacanin, Gyan C. Agarwal, Linear Control Systems: With Solved Problems and MATLAB Examples

[6] Control system toolbox, http://www.mathworks.com/products/control/

[7] Jan Maciejowski, Predictive Control with Constraints, Prentice Hall, 2002.

[8] G. Franklin, J.D. Powell and A. Emami-Naeini, Feedback Control of Dynamic Systems, 5th Edition, Pearson, 2005

[9] Katsuhiko Ogata, Discrete-Time Control Systems (2nd Edition)

[10] Pedro Albertos, Antonio Sala, Multivariable Control Systems: An Engineering Approach.