NG1S857 - Control and instrumentation 01 Sep 2020 - 31 Aug 2022 | Version 3

Associated Module Information

Module Code: NG1S857
Module Title: Control and instrumentation
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Information and Electronics
Faculty Sub Group: Electronics
Module Leader:
Module Team: David Scammell, Hammad Nazir
First Intended Intake: SEP 2015 Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100163 - electrical and electronic engineering
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 3
Valid From 01 Sep 2020
Valid To 31 Aug 2022

Module Aims

To gain an understanding of the application of the tools and techniques applied to the analysis of industrial control systems.

To appreciate the specification and limitations of a range of sensors used in feedback systems.

Content Summary

  • A comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of Open Loop and Closed Loop control systems.
  • An appreciation of the benefits of describing systems in the frequency domain and the application of standard Laplace transforms in system analysis
  • The use, properties and manipulation of Transfer Function blocks in closed loop (feedback) control system representation.
  • Analysing the transient and steady state responses of 1st and 2nd order systems and thus calculating time domain responses to step inputs.
  • A knowledge of system “type” and how this relates to system steady state error.
  • Analysing the stability and relative stability criteria of closed loop (feedback) systems using techniques which include Bode Diagrams.
  • Understanding the importance of sensor accuracy and precision in Closed Loop systems.
  • Appreciating a range of typical sensors, including level, flow, temperature, velocity and position measurements and understanding their practical limitations.
  • An understanding of classic P and P+I controllers; their advantages and disadvantages; their use in industry and the way they are used to modify system responses.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 48
Practical classes and workshops 24
Independent Study 90
Directed Study 38
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 The student will gain the ability to apply the standard tools and techniques employed in classic control system analysis.
LO2 The student will appreciate a range of sensors used in feedback control systems and their limitations.<br /><br />
LO3 The student will be able to apply&nbsp;classic &ldquo;Proportional&rdquo; and &ldquo;Proportional + Integral&rdquo; type controllers to basic processes commonly found in industry.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Written Examination Written Examination - Open Book (Unseen) 1 Written Examination (Open Book - Unseen) 120 N/A 50 No 40
Practical _Practical Assessment 1 Practical assignment 1 0 1500 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2 LO3
Written Examination - Open Book (Unseen) 1
_Practical Assessment 1

Reading List

Bolton, W. and Bolton W.J.(2004),Instrumentation and Control Systems, Elsevier Limited,  ISBN:978-0750664325