Units / ECE4132
ECE4132 · Control system design
2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 4Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering
Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTCOverview
This unit introduces core methods for the analysis and design of feedback controllers for dynamical systems. Linear time-invariant models of dynamical systems, and their representations based on differential equations, transfer functions, state space models, and time and frequency response are covered. The concepts of poles and zeros, forward transfer functions, and PID control will be developed. Stability of feedback systems, and classical root locus and frequency-response design approaches will be covered. Discrete-time/sampled data control systems are introduced, along with emulation design methods. The unit concludes with design methods based on state-space models, along with the concepts of canonical state-space representations, controllability and observability.
Areas of study: E3001 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - Specialisation: Electrical and computer systems engineering E6011 Master of Professional Engineering - Specialisation: Electrical engineering
Offerings
| Campus | Teaching period | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Clayton | Second semester | Teaching activities are on-campus (ON-CAMPUS) |
| Malaysia | Second semester | Teaching activities are on-campus (ON-CAMPUS) |
Assessment
The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.
| # | Assessment | Type | Weight | Hurdle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Unit engagement | Quiz / Test | 2% | Threshold |
| 2 | Quizzes | Quiz / Test | 6% | Threshold |
| 3 | Assignments | Exercise | 12% | Threshold |
| 4 | Project | Project | 20% | Threshold |
| 5 | Final assessment | Examination | 60% | Threshold |
Continuous assessment: 40% Final assessment: 60% This unit contains hurdle requirements that you must achieve to be able to pass the unit. You are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component and at least 45% in the final assessment component. The consequence of not achieving a hurdle requirement is a fail grade (NH) and a maximum mark of 45 for the unit.
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Requisites
prohibitions
Learning outcomes
- Construct mathematical descriptions of single-input single-output (SISO) closed loop feedback systems using state-space, transfer function, and differential/difference equation models.
- Assess the stability and dynamic performance of SISO control systems.
- Generate PID and state-space controllers, meeting design specifications, using analytical and computer-based techniques.
- Design discrete-time/sampled-data controllers for continuous-time systems
- Verify, experimentally, SISO control designs generated using different design approaches
Workload
The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Practical activities | 24 hours |
| Workshops | 24 hours |
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