ECE315 Automatic Control Systems

Topics covered include state-space representation of a dynamic system, observability and controllability, stability and asymptotic stability, transfer function of a dynamic system, state feedback used to position poles of the transfer function on the complex plane. Classic control topics include electric and mechanical dynamic systems, transfer functions of feedback systems, transient and steady-state characteristics of feedback systems, step and ramp inputs, sensitivity of systems to external disturbance and internal system parameters, stability of feedback systems, Ruth-Hurwitz criterion, root-locus method, system specifications and design methodologies, proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller.All topics are covered in the classroom with a presentation of corresponding theory and examples. Lab exercises using Simulink tool allow students to simulate various methods and experiment with parameters for corresponding methods. A final comprehensive exam exposes students to both analytical problems in classic and modern control, as well as design of a control system following a set of specifications.

• State-space representation of a dynamic system
• Observability and controllability – observable and controllable canonical forms
• Stability and asymptotic stability
• Transfer function of a dynamic system, state feedback
• Classic control topics – electrical and mechanical dynamic systems
• Transfer functions of feedback systems, transient and steady-state characteristics of feedback systems
• Step and ramp inputs – first and second order systems
• Sensitivity of systems to external disturbance and internal system parameters
• Stability of feedback systems, Ruth-Hurwitz criterion
• Root-locus method
• System specifications and design methodologies
• Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller

This course introduces students to control systems, their analysis and design and their applications.

This module is a mid-level, theory and application class that provides students with fundamental system analysis skills, with particular emphasis on the basic concept of stability, steady-state vs. transient behavior, state-space, input-output relationships, poles and zeroes of rational complex functions and synthesis-through-analysis techniques. It allows interested students to go further into control system design and implementation at later semesters and pursue related careers.
By the end of the course, students must be able to analyze feedback systems, specify parameters in order to satisfy sets of specifications, determine stability of systems and provide alternative state-space implementations. Typical students will have acquired the following skills:

• Provide system diagram from a given mechanical or electrical system. Simplify complex systems and obtain open-loop equivalent of closed-loop systems.
• Ability to work on the Laplace transform domain of signals and systems and go back and forth to the time domain.
• Determine steady state and transient characteristics of first and second-order systems.
• Determine stability by calculating positions of poles or by using Ruth-Hurwitz criterion.
• Define parameters of a system using root-locus method.
• Express a feedback system in its equivalent state-space, and convert as needed to its observable or controllable canonical forms.
• Use state feedback to stabilize systems.