EE 482 (was EE 429) - Introduction to Digital Control Systems

Designation:

Senior/Grad-level technical elective for Electrical Engineering students

Catalog Data:

Sampling and hold operations; A/D and D/A conversions; modeling of digital systems; response evaluation; stability; basis of digital control; examples. Course contains a significant laboratory component. Prerequisites: EE 380/EE 428, EE 351.

Prerequisites by topic:

1. Understanding and the ability to use differential equations, linear algebra, and complex variables in the solution of linear systems.
2. Knowledge of Laplace transform, Fourier transform, discrete Fourier transform and Z-transform.
3. Knowledge of continuous time control concepts including frequency and time domain analysis, root locus, Nyquist criterion and first order controller design.

Course Objectives:

In this course, we will develop an understanding of the basic principles of classical digital control theory, with emphasis on frequency domain methods. This theory will be applied to case studies from several engineering disciplines. If time permits, we will have an overview of some more advanced issues such as pole placement.

Topics:

1. Course Overview and Introduction to Digital Control
2. Discrete Time Systems and the z-Transform
3. Sampling and Reconstruction
4. Open-Loop Discrete-Time Systems
5. Closed-Loop Discrete-Time Systems
6. Time Response Characteristics
7. Stability Analysis of Discrete-Time Linear Systems
8. Digital Controller Design
9. Introduction to State-Space Methods

Class/laboratory schedule:

Three 50-minute lectures per week and three laboratory experiments spanning six 1-hour laboratory sessions.

Computer Usage:

1. Mathlab is used to facilitate analysis and design of control systems. This tool is used in class, in the homework assignments and in the laboratory experiments.
2. Two laboratory experiments involving formal technical reports which require the use of word processing and graphics software for their presentation.

Laboratory projects and assignments:

1. Two laboratory experiments are required for the laboratory part of this course. The first one involves the familiarization with the equipment and associated software and the use of it for signal analysis. The second one involves the modeling of a DC motor and the development of a discrete time controller. Technical writing skills and working in teams are emphasized during the laboratory meetings.
2. The students are expected to complete nine homework assignments.

Contribution to meeting the professional component:

This course emphasizes structured mathematical analysis of systems containing both continuous and discrete time components and methods for designing discrete time controllers for continuous time systems. In particular effort is put in the development of appreciation of higher-level research.

Relationship to program outcome:

1. Graduates will have in-depth technical knowledge in one or more areas of specialization. [Ref: Outcome O.3.1.]
2. Graduates will develop an appreciation of higher-level research. [Ref: Outcome O.4.2.]
3. Graduates will have teamwork skills. [Ref: Outcome O.5.1.]
4. Graduates will possess oral and written communication skills. [Ref: Outcome O.5.2.]