ECE 441: Automatic Control

Catalog Data: Automatic Control (3) Representation, analysis and synthesis of linear continuous-time single-input/single-output control systems in frequency and time domains. P340

Textbook: G.H. Hostetter, C.J. Savant, Jr., and R.T. Stefani, Design of Feedback Control Systems, 2nd edition, Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1989.

Course Coordinator: Dr. François E. Cellier, Professor of ECE.

Goals: To give Seniors, primarily in Electrical Engineering, an introduction to feedback control and its applicability to a variety of engineering disciplines.

Prerequisites by topic: introduction to signals and systems, description of (primarily linear) systems in time and frequency domains (ECE 340), Laplace transform (Math 321, ECE 340), state-space representation (ECE 340), basic circuit theory (ECE 320)

Topics:

System Representation

(1/3 of course)
  1. Modelling of continuous-time electrical and mechanical systems, block diagrams, linearization. (3 classes)

  2. Mathematical representation of linear continuous-time systems in the frequency domain. (1 class)

  3. Signal flow graphs, Mason's rule. (2 classes)

  4. Mathematical representation of linear continuous-time systems in the time domain. (2 classes)

  5. Similarity transformations, the basic canonical forms. (3 classes)

  6. Eigenvalues, eigenvectors and the Jordan canonical form. (3 classes)

System Analysis

(1/3 of course)
  1. Controllability and observability. (2 classes)

  2. Stability with respect to input signals (BIBO stability) and with respect to the initial conditions (Ljapunov stablity), Routh-Hurwitz criterion, margin of stability. (3 classes)

  3. Steady-state errors, types of signals and systems. (2 classes)

  4. Influence of disturbances. (2 classes)

  5. Solution of linear systems in the time domain. (1 class)

  6. Dynamic properties, settling time, overshoot. (2 classes)

System Synthesis

(1/3 of course)
  1. Root locus analysis. (3 classes)

  2. Design of controllers by use of root loci. (2 classes)

  3. Bode diagrams, stability analysis. (2 classes)

  4. Design of lead/lag compensators and other controllers by use of Bode diagrams. (2 classes)

  5. Nyquist diagrams, the Nyquist criterion for stability. (2 classes)

  6. Design of controller structures by use of Nyquist diagrams. (1 class)

  7. State feedback, pole placement for linear continuous-time single-input/single-output systems. (2 classes)

  8. Full-order observers for linear single-input/single-output systems. (1 class)

Estimated ABET Category Content:
I shall offer n homeworks out of which I expect (n-2) to be handed in. n will be in the order of 6..9. We shall have 4 midterms, out of which I count the best 3, and there will be a final examination. The distribution of points is as follows: