The Automatic Control Theories and Applications module offers the fundamental knowledge of the operation and design of automatic control systems, such as those of robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI), as well as techniques for analysing and identifying the performance and stability of control systems. The module aims to enable the students: • to understand the concepts of automatic control system. • to learn the frequency domain design and analysis of control systems. • to understand the system stability and how to determine if a system is stable. • to understand control system synthesis methods. • to introduce the students to the fundamentals of digital control.
A Analyse first- and second-order system responses and transfer functions from Laplace transform. B Evaluate system stability with Routh Array, Root Locus and Nyquist plot. C Apply appropriate design methods to achieve desired performance in control systems. D Design and implement digital feedback control system for the given system.
The teaching philosophy of the module follows very much the philosophy of Syntegrative Education. This has meant that the teaching delivery pattern, which follows more intensive block teaching, allows more meaningful contribution from industry partners. This philosophy is carried through also in terms of assessment, with reduction on the use of exams and increase in coursework, especially problem-based assessments that are project focused. The delivery pattern provides space in the semester for students to concentrate on completing the assessments. This module will be delivered through a combination of formal lectures, supervised laboratory sessions and a seminar. Various topics included in the module will be presented together with worked examples during the lectures. During the supervised laboratory sessions, students will conduct experiments on simple systems and develop the skills to design and implement their control systems. At the end, the module will be concluded with a review in the seminar. The module will be assessed by a combination of both lab-based coursework and examination.