Control System
Undergraduate Course, AKTU University, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE), 2014
Course Overview
This undergraduate course introduced the fundamental concepts of Control Systems, emphasizing analysis, modeling, and design of feedback systems used in electrical, mechanical, and electronic engineering applications.
Students explored how to represent and analyze dynamic systems using transfer functions, state-space models, block diagrams, and signal flow graphs, and learned to evaluate system performance using both time-domain and frequency-domain techniques.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students were able to:
- Understand the principles of open-loop and closed-loop control systems.
- Model physical systems using differential equations and Laplace transforms.
- Derive and interpret transfer functions for electrical, mechanical, and electromechanical systems.
- Analyze system stability using Routh–Hurwitz, Bode, Nyquist, and Root Locus methods.
- Design PID controllers and perform system compensation for desired performance.
- Use MATLAB/Simulink for simulation and validation of control system behavior.
Major Topics Covered
| Week | Topics |
|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to control systems: Open- and closed-loop concepts |
| 2 | Mathematical modeling of dynamic systems (mechanical, electrical, electromechanical) |
| 3 | Transfer function derivation and block diagram reduction |
| 4 | Signal flow graphs and Mason’s gain formula |
| 5 | Time-domain analysis and transient response of first- and second-order systems |
| 6 | Steady-state error and system type classification |
| 7 | Stability analysis using Routh–Hurwitz criterion |
| 8 | Frequency-domain analysis: Bode and Nyquist plots |
| 9 | Root locus technique and system design |
| 10 | PID controller design and tuning |
| 11 | Lead, lag, and lead-lag compensation techniques |
| 12 | MATLAB/Simulink laboratory and mini-project demonstrations |
Tools and Techniques
- MATLAB / Simulink for system modeling and control design
- Scilab for open-source simulation demonstrations
- Hands-on sessions on servo motor control, DC motor speed control, and temperature control systems
Teaching Highlights
- Designed and supervised mini-projects on real-time control applications.
- Introduced simulation-based assignments to improve conceptual clarity.
- Integrated mathematical intuition with visual demonstrations using MATLAB plots and block diagram animations.
- Encouraged students to relate theory to real-world control systems — robotics, automation, and power converters.