Available in 2014

Callaghan Campus Semester 1
UoN Singapore Trimester 2

Previously offered in 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004

Overview of control engineering; Levels of control; Modelling for control; Linearisation; Review of Laplace transform; Transfer functions; Poles; Zeros; Open loop stability; Time responses; Transient and steady-state behaviour; Block diagrams; Control as an inverse problem; Benefits of feedback; On-off control; Programmable logic controllers (PLCs); Stability of feedback systems using Routh-Hurwitz methods; Root-locus; Three-term (PID) controllers and tuning using Ziegler-Nichols rules; Nonideal factors (saturation); Anti-windup; Controller design by pole assignment; Frequency response; Bode and Nyquist plots; Nyquist stability theorem; Gain and phase margins; Robustness issues; Controller design using frequency response; Proportional, lead-lag and (revisited) PID control; Cascade and feedforward control.

Objectives This course treats the basic principles of the automatic control of industrial processes and machines. The emphasis of the subject is on continuous time control, although some introductory material on sequential logic control (or programmable logic control) is included. On completing the course, students should be able to:

1. formulate quantitative models of feedback control systems built from mechanical, chemical, electrical and electronic components described by linear, ordinary differential equations
2. analyse single input, single output feedback control systems for stability, steady state and transient performance
3. understand the scope and limitations of fundamental control strategies, and be able to design simple compensation schemes for improved control; and
4. understand the basics of using programmable logic controllers (PLCs) in implementing switching control systems.
Content 1. Dynamic models: Differential equations, Modeling, Linearisation
2. Mathematical background: Review of complex numbers, Laplace transform, Initial and Final value theorems
3. Transfer Functions: Open-loop stability, Poles, Zeros, Time response, Transients, Steady-state, Block diagrams
4. Feedback principles: Open versus Closed-loop control, High gain control, Inversion, On-off control, Programmable logic controllers (PLCs)
5. Stability of closed-loop systems: Routh's method, Root locus
6. PID control: Structure, Design using root locus, Empirical tuning, Anti-windup protection
7. Pole assignment: Sylvester's theorem, PI and PID synthesis using pole assignment
8. Frequency Response: Nyquist plot, Bode diagram, Nyquist stability theorem, Stability margins, Closed-loop sensitivity functions, Model errors, Robust stability
9. Controller design using frequency response: Proportional control, Lead-lag control, PID control revisited
10. Structures of automatic control: Smith predictor, Feedforward control, Cascade control, Decentralised control of MIMO plants, Control schemes in process control
Replacing Course(s) NA
Transition NA
Industrial Experience 0
Assumed Knowledge MATH2310 AND (ELEC2400 OR MCHA2000)
Modes of Delivery Internal Mode
Teaching Methods Lecture
Practical
Tutorial
Assessment Items
Essays / Written Assignments as per course outline
Examination: Formal during University's formal exam period - students must gain a minimum mark of 40% in the final exam in order to pass the course
Laboratory Exercises as per course outline
Contact Hours Lecture: for 4 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Tutorial: for 1 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Timetables 2014 Course Timetables for ELEC4400