Digital Control Systems

The cost of microcontrollers and digital signal processor technology has reduced greatly over the years. At the same time, the processing power and peripheral features of such devices has improved enormously. As a result, most processes and systems are now controlled in a digital environment, using discrete information and digital control techniques.

For this reason, this module provides learners with a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of digital control theory and the theoretical and practical principles for design. Learners will also gain an appreciation of the current trends and methods in the field.

Learners will have the opportunity to consolidate their knowledge through several case studies, simulations, and problem-based learning exercises

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected learners will be able to:

  • Apply continuous to discrete domain transformation methods.
  • Design and appraise common digital control methods (including PID and lead/lag)
  • Test and analytically compare a range of digital control solutions.
  • Design and evaluate parameter estimation methods.
  • Create simulation models for complex digital controller design.

    • Course Agenda

    The CPD course is structured to span two full days, with four sessions each day: two in the morning and two in the afternoon.

    On the first day, learners will cover three topics:

  • An introduction to fundamental digital control concepts, including an overview of the digital sampling process and characteristics of sampled signals
  • A summary of core discrete time analysis techniques, including z transforms and discrete transfer functions.
  • A study of the behaviour of control loops incorporating a mixture of discrete time and continuous time elements.

    • On the second day, learners will consider:

  • The design of discrete time controllers and implementation issues
  • An introduction to system identification and parameter estimation techniques

    • For more information on this course, please contact llahub@newcastle.ac.uk or enquire here

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