NG2S231 - Control and Instrumentation 01 Apr 2025 - 31 Aug 2027 | Version 6

Associated Module Information

Module Code: NG2S231
Module Title: Control and Instrumentation
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
Faculty Sub Group: Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
Module Leader: Selim Tudgey
Module Team: Meinwen Taylor
First Intended Intake: NOV 2015 Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 5
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100190 - mechanical engineering
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 6
Valid From 01 Apr 2025
Valid To 31 Aug 2027

Module Aims

Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
• assess the static and dynamic behaviours of instrumentation and control systems through basic analytical approaches and control theory in time and frequency domains.
• understand and discuss the response of linear dynamic instrumentation and control systems
• understanding of the basic principles of linear closed loop control and employ basic design strategies.

Content Summary

• The underlying principle and specification of a number of common sensors and transducers, their selection for given applications, with attention to e.g. linearity, static sensitivity, drift, hysteresis and importance of dynamic behaviour.
• Modelling - mechanical, electrical/electronic, hydraulic and thermal systems and the development of a limited 'toolbox' of models to aid the development of instrumentation and control system learning.
• Instrumentation systems and their dynamics - focusing on zero, first and second order systems, with limited investigation of higher order systems.
• A systems approach - appreciation of the use of block diagram representation to represent a measuring system and knowledge of the appropriate terms.
• The principle of operation of common signal conditioning devices, with simple circuit design for e.g. gain and span, attenuation, bridge circuits, line drivers, current loop.
• Time and frequency domain performance analysis - implications for instrumentation and measurement, and control systems. Exemplar systems will illustrate where time and frequency domains have relevance.
• Sampled systems and interfacing.
• The use of transfer functions and SISO system block diagram algebra in time domain and Laplace form, particularly to determine closed loop transfer functions.
• Definitions associated with automatic control, limited to SISO systems.
• The elements of basic control systems which incorporate feedback, their function and typical implementations and the behavior of such elements.
• Modelling first and second order control systems for process and closed loop control for process, manufacturing and other applications.
• Control system responses and the concept of transient and steady state response of a control system.
• The design and analysis of simple control systems, focusing on velocity feedback, P-only, P+I, P+D and P+I+D control.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 24
Tutorial 12
Practical classes and workshops 12
Directed Study 122
Independent Study 30
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Select and specify transducers for a given application and use it in the full knowledge of its static and dynamic limitations and critically evaluate results
LO2 Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of and understanding of widely used control strategies in the application of SISO control and instrumentation system

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Report 1 Part A: Static and dynamic 0 3000 40 No 40
Synchronous Onsite Assessment (Exam) Onsite Closed Book Examination 1 esnytjy 180 N/A 60 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Report 1
Onsite Closed Book Examination 1

Reading List

Modern control systems. Richard C. Dorf. Robert H. Bishop. Thirteenth edition. Global edition. Harlow, England : Pearson Education Limited 2017

Feedback Control of Dynamic Systems, Franklin, G.F., Powell J.D., 7th Edition, Pearson, 2014.

Mechatronics Electronic control systems in mechanical and electrical engineering. W. Bolton. Sixth edition. Harlow : Pearson 2015

The Art of Control Engineering, Dutton K., Thompson S., Barraclough B.,. Addison Wesley, 1997