Syllabus for Automatic Control I

Learning outcomes

Students who pass the course should be able to

• define basic concepts in automatic control
• determine relations between models of linear dynamic systems in form of differential equations, state space models, transient responses, transfer functions and frequency responses
• analyse linear systems with respect to stability, steady state properties, controllability and observability, and fastness and damping
• evaluate closed loop systems with respect to stability, as well as robustness against and sensitivity for model errors and disturbances
• interpret and apply graphical methods and tools like block diagrams, root locus, Bode and Nyquist diagrams
• understand the function of simple controllers (PID controllers, lead-lag filters, state feedback) and controller structures (feedforward and cascade control)
• design simple controllers from given specifications
• understand and design observers for estimating the states in state space models

Content

Modelling and mathematical description of dynamic systems in the time and frequency domain:

Impulse response, step response, transfer function, Bode and Nyquist diagrams, state space description. Estimation of states using observers. Methods for stability analysis including the Nyquist criterion.

Control strategies:

PID controller, lead-lag design, state space feedback. Robustness of feedback systems. Specification and synthesis of control systems.

Laboratory work:

• Computer aided design, simulation and analysis using the program package MATLAB.
• Laboratory experiments.

Instruction

Lectures, problem solving sessions and laboratory work. Guest lecture.

Assessment

Written examination at the end of the course. Passed laboratory course is also required.