Overview

This unit aims to introduce the basics of classical control engineering relating to the identification of transfer functions and the analysis of the performance of linear time-invariant system confined to both a single input and output. It also teched several other useful skills such as PLC programming and implementing a PID controller in a microcontroller.

Requisites

Prerequisites

OR
MTH20004 Engineering Mathematics 3A
OR
MTH20011 Mathematics 4A
OR
Concurrent Pre-requisite
MEE30007 Vibration, Data Analysis and Data Decomposition

Teaching periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date
Semester 1
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
02-March-2026
31-May-2026
Last self-enrolment date
15-March-2026
Census date
31-March-2026
Last withdraw without fail date
21-April-2026
Results released date
07-July-2026

Learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

  • Calculate and interpret transfer functions from response-data for systems having a single input and output (K1, K2, K3, K6, S1, S2)
  • Identify the operational behaviour of linear time-invariant systems (K1, K2, K3, S1, S2)
  • Apply classical linear control theory in designing systems and improving steady state and dynamic performance (K1, K2, K3, K6, S1, S2, S3, A2)
  • Apply software tools for simulating and analysing dynamics (K1, K2, K3, S1, S2)
  • Appreciate and assess the hardware components of a control system such as sensors, actuators, and controllers (A4, K1, K2, K3, S1, S2, S3)

Teaching methods

Hawthorn

Type Hours per week Number of weeks Total (number of hours)
On-campus
Lecture		2.00 3 weeks 6
Online
Lecture		2.00 12 weeks 24
On-campus
Class		1.00 11 weeks 11
On-campus
Lab		2.00 12 weeks 24
Unspecified Activities
Independent Learning		7.08 12 weeks 85
TOTAL150

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULO's
Practical Assignment Group 15 - 20% 4,5
Pracitcal Assignment Group 15 - 25% 2,3,5
Online Quiz Individual  10 - 20%  1,2,4,5
Online Quiz Individual  10 - 20%  1,2,3,4 
Final Semester Test Individual 20 - 40%  1,2,3,4

Content

Physical Elements of Control Systems

  • Sensors - Characteristics and Performance
  • Hydraulics and Pneumatics
  • Control Valves and Motors
  • Logic gates and Relays

Basic Control

  • On-off Control
  • PID Control
  • Digital Control
  • PLC Control

 System Models, Transfer Functions and Analysis

  • System Modelling using Differential Equations,
  • Transfer Functions and the Laplace Transform
  • System Response to Step, Ramp, and Impulse
  • Stability analysis

 Frequency Analysis

  • The Frequency Response Function
  • Bode and Nyquist Plots
  • Stability analysis in the Frequency Domain
  • Compensation

Hands-on Skills

  • Writing Ladder Programs in a PLC Simulator
  • Implementing PID control in a Microcontroller
 
  • Graduate Attribute – Digital Literacies: Information literacy
  • Graduate Attribute – Digital Literacies: Technical literacy

Study resources

Reading materials

A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.