Project for the Introduction to Control System Course

The project consists of an advanced problem for the design of a classical controller. Usually, controller will have to improve the system performance, deals with disturbances, deals with delays, and account for sensitivity in some parameters of the plant. A complete solution should includes the following:

• Two technical solutions; perhaps one cheaper than the other one, but with some sacrifices in the design constraints.
• Recommendation based on a balance between cost and ethical issues such as security, and environmental and social impact.
• Some multidisciplinary content related to the applications and implications of the design in the society.

Projects for Advanced Courses

Complexity of work depends on the particular course taken, however, some common skills and experiences follows:

• Preparation of proposals:
  • Identification of a control problem.
  • Defining a proposed solution
  • Separation of sub-tasks among team members.
  • Budget or resources management.
  • Time schedule.
• Integration of sensors, systems and computer
  • Handling sensors for position, temperature, light intensity, pressure, flow, among others.
  • Description and implementation of system equations into hardware.
  • Implementation of analog control
  • Using the computer as a controller.
  • Ladder logic and PLC implementation.
  • Integration of mechanical and electrical actuators into the system.
• Oral presentation
• Final Report should include
  • Technical solution presentation
  • Comments on environmental, social, and ethical impact of the work.
  • Recommendation for the solution implementation or applications in the real world.

Honor Code

A professional and ethical envrinment is expected. That is: "You should not seek or give unfair help for works handled by you, and all copyrights and patent laws should be respected."