Automatic Control Systems

Expected learning outcomes

The aim of the course is to obtain the theoretical and practical background in Automatic Control Systems in both the continuous and digital time as well as their applications. The course aims to introduce students to the basic concepts of Automated Control Systems.Upon successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

• Mathematically represent a dynamic system via its transfer function.oAnalyze –utilizing its transfer function –the behavior of a dynamic system.
• Define a set of desired control system properties.
• Design closed-loop control systems.
• Appropriately tune PID controllers tomatch the desired closed-loop control system’s properties.
• Analytically design closed-loop control systems.Evaluate the closed-loop control system’s steady-state errors and its “type”.

Indicative Syllabus

Representation of dynamical systems with transfer functions.
System analysis in both the time and the frequency domains.
Stability analysis.
Block diagram algebra.
Closed-loop control systems.
PID controllers.
PID tuning via the empirical Ziegler-Nichols method.
Simulation of closed-loop control systems
Closed-loop control system design via the pole placement method.
Evaluation of steady-state errors.
Evaluation of the closed-loop control system “type”.

Teaching / Learning Methodology

Project and biweekly meetings