Control Engineering
Overview
This unit aims to introduce the basics of classical control engineering relating to the identification of transfer functions and the analysis of the performance of linear time-invariant system confined to both a single input and output. It also teched several other useful skills such as PLC programming and implementing a PID controller in a microcontroller.
Requisites
OR
MTH20004 Engineering Mathematics 3A
OR
MTH20011 Mathematics 4A
OR
Concurrent Pre-requisite
MEE20008 Vibration and Signal Analysis
01-June-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Calculate and interpret transfer functions from response-data for systems having a single input and output (K1, K2, K3, K6, S1, S2)
- Identify the operational behaviour of linear time-invariant systems (K1, K2, K3, S1, S2)
- Apply classical linear control theory in designing systems and improving steady state and dynamic performance (K1, K2, K3, K6, S1, S2, S3, A2)
- Apply software tools for simulating and analysing dynamics (K1, K2, K3, S1, S2)
- Appreciate and assess the hardware components of a control system such as sensors, actuators, and controllers (A4, K1, K2, K3, S1, S2, S3)
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus Lecture | 2.00 | 3 weeks | 6 |
| Online Lecture | 2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| On-campus Class | 1.00 | 11 weeks | 11 |
| On-campus Lab | 2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| Unspecified Activities Independent Learning | 7.08 | 12 weeks | 85 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical Assignment | Group | 15 - 20% | 4,5 |
| Pracitcal Assignment | Group | 15 - 25% | 2,3,5 |
| Online Quiz | Individual | 10 - 20% | 1,2,4,5 |
| Online Quiz | Individual | 10 - 20% | 1,2,3,4 |
| Final Semester Test | Individual | 20 - 40% | 1,2,3,4 |
Content
Physical Elements of Control Systems
- Sensors - Characteristics and Performance
- Hydraulics and Pneumatics
- Control Valves and Motors
- Logic gates and Relays
Basic Control
- On-off Control
- PID Control
- Digital Control
- PLC Control
System Models, Transfer Functions and Analysis
- System Modelling using Differential Equations,
- Transfer Functions and the Laplace Transform
- System Response to Step, Ramp, and Impulse
- Stability analysis
Frequency Analysis
- The Frequency Response Function
- Bode and Nyquist Plots
- Stability analysis in the Frequency Domain
- Compensation
Hands-on Skills
- Writing Ladder Programs in a PLC Simulator
- Implementing PID control in a Microcontroller
- Graduate Attribute – Digital Literacies: Information literacy
- Graduate Attribute – Digital Literacies: Technical literacy
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.