This course covers the analysis, design, implementation, and testing of feedback control systems. It begins with classical control concepts and progresses toward PID control, motion control, embedded implementation, and robotics applications.
Prerequisites
Students should have basic knowledge of:
Engineering mathematics
Differential equations or dynamic systems
Basic electronics and sensors
Introductory programming in C, Python, or MATLAB
Assessment plan
Component
Weight
Description
Weekly quizzes
10%
Short formative checks on key concepts
Assignments
25%
Analysis and simulation tasks
Laboratory work
25%
Practical setup, measurement, implementation, and reporting
Final project
25%
Design and test a controller for a practical system
Oral/demo assessment
15%
Explain, demonstrate, and defend the implemented solution
Practical skill rubric
Criterion
Excellent performance
Setup and wiring
Correct, safe, organised, and well documented
Measurement
Accurate data collection with suitable sampling and units
Controller design
Clear justification of controller type and parameters
Troubleshooting
Identifies faults logically and tests possible causes
Interpretation
Connects results to theory and performance specifications
Report quality
Clear structure, figures, tables, and engineering conclusions
Weekly plan
Week
Lecture topic
Lab / activity
1
What is feedback control?
Identify control loops in real systems
2
Mathematical models
Model a first-order thermal system
3
Transfer functions
Simulate transfer functions in Python/MATLAB
4
Transient response
Measure overshoot, rise time, and settling time
5
Stability
Apply Routh-Hurwitz criterion
6
Root locus
Design a gain for transient performance
7
Frequency response
Interpret Bode plots and bandwidth
8
PID control
Tune P, PI, and PID controllers
9
Digital control
Convert a continuous PID idea into discrete code
10
Motor control
DC motor speed and position control
11
Embedded control
STM32/Arduino implementation activity
12
Robotics control
Mobile robot velocity and heading control
Main deliverables
Completed lab notebooks or worksheets.
Simulation files for selected assignments.
Final project report with design, implementation, results, and discussion.
Short demonstration or oral explanation of the final controller.
