Course content

The basics and terminology of control theory. Introduction to differential equations. Mathematical models of some simple and well known physical processes are derived and presented. Control and simulations of these models will be demonstrated. Modeling with block diagrams. Introduction to Simulink. Introduction to dynamical systems. Principles of measurement: resistance, capacitance, light, magnetism etc. Measurement of elementary physical variables like position, velocity, force, flow, etc. Actuators: control valves, electrical motors, contactors, etc. Some useful electric and electronic circuits and components. Real time programming: Schedulers and synchronization, state machine modeling. Use of logic control and PLC (Programmable Logic Control).

Learning outcome

Knowledge:
Knowledge of the general architecture of a control system. Knowledge of modeling of physical systems using first and second order differential equations. Knowledge of controllers with P, I and D-action. Basic knowledge of the effects of nonlinearities on control systems. Knowledge of simulation of dynamical systems. Knowledge of control principles such as feedback and feed forward. Basic knowledge of instrumentation. Basic knowledge of control logic. Basic knowledge of real time programming.

Skills:
Being able to analyze a dynamical system consisting of first or second order differential equations. Being able to design a (PID) controller for such a system. Being able to simulate such a system. Being able to suggest methods for instrumentation for a control system.

General competence:
The student should be able to communicate technical issues with both experts and laymen. Basic understanding of systems.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, problem sets, laboratory assignments and a project work. Six out of nine problem sets, the laboratory projects and the project work must be approved to enter the final exam. The final grade is based on a portfolio assessment. The portfolio includes a project work 20% and a final exam 80%. The result for each part is given in percentage units, while evaluation of the entire portfolio (the final grade) is given as a letter. If there is a re-sit examination, the examination form may change from written to oral.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises

Recommended previous knowledge

None.

Course materials

Lecture notes published by the department. Textbook.