Modelling of typical elements of a servo mechanism (motor, gearbox, amplifier and sensors) and block diagram representation of systems.
Open and closed loop simplification.
Transfer function analysis of transient and steady state response.
S-plane and frequency response analysis, gain and phase margins.
How PID control improves the response of a system.
Digital implementation of a control system and examination of parameters that affect response (sampling rate, aliasing, pre-filtering and quantisation).

12 lectures and 12 tutorials/practicals
2 hours lectures / tutorials each week. The tutorials will include teaching on how to use a computer based control simulation package.
12 x 1 hour hour laboratory and independent study which will complement the lectures.

Control laboratory facilities
Computer control packages

None.

N.Nise, Control Systems Engineering, 4th Ed, Wiley, 2004, ISBN 0-471-45243-2
W. Bolton, Instrumentation and Control systems, Newnes, 2004, ISBN 0750664320
M.Hargreaves, Engineering Systems-Modelling and Control, Longman 1996, ISBN 0-582-23419-0

1. DERIVE THEORETICAL MODELS FOR THE STUDY OF ENGINEERING CONTROL SYSTEMS.
(Knowledge & Understanding)

2. IMPROVE ON AN UNDAMPED CONTROL SYSTEM IN ORDER FOR IT TO EXHIBIT A STABLE RESPONSE.
(Enquiry, Problem Solving)

3. INVESTIGATE AND REPORT UPON THE USE OF CONTROL IN IMPROVING A SYSTEM'S RESPONSE.
(Communication)