TRC3600 · Feedback control systems

Overview

The primary objective of this unit is to introduce the concept of dynamic feedback systems and to lay grounds for control system design. The unit commences with converting dynamic system models into input-output system representations such as transfer functions, block diagrams and state-space representations. Concepts of feedback and closed-loop stability will be established based on the response of dynamic systems in both time and frequency domains. More sophisticated analytical methods such as root locus, Bode plot, polar plot and Nyquist plot will be explored. Examples showing how these tools are applied to feedback controller design will also be provided. Numerical tools for relevant feedback system analyses and design will be introduced, in line with the theoretical materials presented.

Offerings

The Handbook publishes no offerings for this unit.

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

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

Learning outcomes

1. Appreciate the significance and relevance of systems and associated control in engineering.
2. Formulate and manipulate input-output representations of various linear dynamic systems such as transfer functions, state-space models and block diagrams.
3. Calculate the response of input-output systems as in time-domain and frequency-domain analytically and numerically.
4. Analyse the stability and dynamic performance of a feedback system using root locus, Bode plot and Nyquist methods, and apply these tools to design controller parameters to achieve the desired dynamic response.
5. Discern the effects of non-linearity in systems and identify the limitations of the use of linear models as approximations.

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.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.