Module Descriptors
AUTOMATION AND CONTROL ENGINEERING
ELEC51000
Key Facts
Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
Level 5
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Tamoor Shafique
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 36
Independent Study Hours: 114
Total Learning Hours: 150
Pattern of Delivery
  • Occurrence A, Stoke Campus, UG Semester 1
Sites
  • Stoke Campus
Assessment
  • Unseen examination in examination conditions weighted at 100%
Module Details
Indicative Content
Methods of modelling and simulating real systems using Laplace transforms (analogue/continuous systems) and Z-transforms (digital/discrete systems)
Implementation of control algorithms and limitations
Use of sensors and transducers in control system design
Effects of interfacing, sampling rate and quantisation
Process Control and transportation delay
Basic control of a servo system, highlighting effects of altering gain (speed of response and overshoot)
PLC systems and ladder diagrams.
Learning Strategies
This module will enable students to gain understanding, apply knowledge, analyse and evaluate problems and create solutions through a variety of activities, including:
• Lectures / tutorials
• Practical laboratory work
• Lectures and tutorials will be complemented with recommended reading and practical laboratory work. In addition to this you will receive Technical Instruction on the use of MATLAB and PLCs
Texts
Nise, N. S. (2011) Control Systems Engineering. 6th Ed. Asia: John Wiley & Sons.
Dorf, R. C and Bishop, R. H. (2010) Modern Control Systems. 12th Ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
Golnaraghi, F. and Kuo, B. C. (2009) Automatic Control Systems. 9th Ed. Chichester, West Sussex: John Wiley & Sons.
Kamel, K. and Kamel, E. (2014) Programmable Logic Controllers: Industrial Control. London: McGraw-Hill Education.
Bolton, W. (2015) Programmable Logic Controllers. 6th Ed. Kidlington, Oxford: Newnes.
Resources
General measurement and Control laboratory facilities
Suitable software simulators
Learning Outcomes
1. Deploy accurately appropriate design techniques of analysis and enquiry within the field of automatic control and systems engineering. (AHEP 3: EA2 EA3b)

2. Apply design techniques to solve specific control problems and use decision-making in complex contexts. (AHEP 3: P7)

3. Contrast and compare commercial control systems. (AHEP 3: P1, P3, P7)

4. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of key concepts of control and its application, including acquisition of coherent and detailed knowledge which is at the forefront of this discipline relating to process control objectives and control system components. (AHEP 3: SM1b, SM2b, SM3b)
Assessment Details
- 100% examination assessing Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4. Meeting AHEP 3 Outcomes SM1b, SM2b, SM3b, EA2, EA3b, P1, P3, P7

Practice formative class tests will be undertaken during the module and formative guidance and feedback will be provided in tutorial sessions within the class.