ENGINEERING TRIPOS PART IIB – 2012/2013

Module 4F1 - Control System Design

AIMS

The aim of this module is to establish for the students a fundamental approach to the design of linear control systems.

LECTURE SYLLABUS

Control system design (11L)

• System dynamics, stability and instability, principles and use of root locus plots, derivation of Nyquist stability criterion, Bode theorems and plots.
• Design of simple P.I.D. controllers and phase compensators. Sensitivity, complementary sensitivity and SISO robustness. Non-minimum phase systems and limitations, bandwidth. Delays in systems.
• Two degree of freedom design. 

Introduction to Coursework (1L)

• Case studies and simulation.

COURSEWORK

Case studies and design by simulation and computer software, e.g. use of Matlab. Four hours DPO time plus report (further four hours).

OBJECTIVES

On completion of the module students should:

• Understand the role and importance of feedback for the control of uncertain dynamical systems;
• Be able to demonstrate the information conveyed via root locus diagrams for transient behaviour and basic frequency response analysis using Nyquist (polar) and Bode plots;
• Be able, following its basic derivation, to illustrate the use of the Nyquist stability criterion with both open loop stable and open loop unstable systems;
• Understand factors which limit achievable performance in feedback systems;
• Be able to use analytical tools to understand trade-offs (e.g. Bode gain/phase relations, sensitivity integrals);
• Be able to translate general requirements for robustness and performance into specifications on the open-loop frequency response;
• Be able to use computer software for simple control system design and system simulation;
• Be able to design simple compensators to achieve such specifications.

REFERENCES

Please see the Booklist for Group F Courses for references for this module.

Last updated: June 2012