Accessibility statement

Control, Sensors & Instrumentation - ELE00056I

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  • Department: Electronic Engineering
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
    • See module specification for other years: 2024-25

Module summary

This module provides an introduction to feedback control of linear systems, and how it can be used to provide stability or to obtain a particular response characteristic from a system. The techniques covered have a wide range of applications, including to mechanical systems such as robots, and to electronic systems such as audio amplifiers.

Feedback control requires that the system under control be instrumented so that the controller knows what it is doing. We will look at a variety of different sensor types in this module, including optical, magnetic and micromechanical, and their relative characteristics and performance.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2023-24

Module aims

Subject content aims:

  • To provide a fundamental introduction to the analysis and design of simple analogue controllers for linear, time-invariant, continuous dynamic systems

  • To extend basic control concepts and apply them to more complex problems, with a view to industrial and real-world applications

  • To provide a detailed understanding about functioning of sensors and different types of sensors.

Graduate skills aims:

  • To develop skills in the selection and application of appropriate numeric and algebraic techniques

Module learning outcomes

Subject content learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this module, students will:

  • Know how to apply the Laplace transform in the development of transfer functions for a range of simple dynamic systems

  • Understand the problems of control system implementation in a real-world context

  • Be able to analyse transfer functions and present the properties of the systems they represent in terms of control objectives

  • Be able to design simple control systems to achieve a set of desired control objectives

  • Be able to use software tools, based upon the MATLAB environment to support control system analysis and design

  • Be able to design active control components such as compensators and PID controllers to achieve desirable control objectives

  • Be able to describe the operation of different types of sensors, and their limitations

  • Understand the role that sensors play in developing control systems

Graduate skills learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this module, students will:

  • Be able to explain and evaluate advanced technical concepts concisely and accurately

  • Be able to select, adapt and apply a range of mathematical techniques to solve advanced problems

  • Have developed skills in problem solving, critical analysis and applied mathematics

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) 100

Module feedback

Feedback’ at a university level can be understood as any part of the learning process which is designed to guide your progress through your degree programme. We aim to help you reflect on your own learning and help you feel more clear about your progress through clarifying what is expected of you in both formative and summative assessments. A comprehensive guide to feedback and to forms of feedback is available in the Guide to Assessment Standards, Marking and Feedback.

The School of PET aims to provide some form of feedback on all formative and summative assessments that are carried out during the degree programme. In general, feedback on any written work/assignments undertaken will be sufficient so as to indicate the nature of the changes needed in order to improve the work. The School will endeavour to return all exam feedback within the timescale set out in the University's Policy on Assessment Feedback Turnaround Time. The School would normally expect to adhere to the times given, however, it is possible that exceptional circumstances may delay feedback. The School will endeavour to keep such delays to a minimum. Please note that any marks released are subject to ratification by the Board of Examiners and Senate. Meetings at the start/end of each term provide you with an opportunity to discuss and reflect with your supervisor on your overall performance to date.

Statement of Feedback

Formative Feedback

  • Regular problem sheets will be provided, and you will have the opportunity to ask questions about these in the bi-weekly workshops.

  • The lab sessions will provide the opportunity to ask questions and receive verbal help and feedback about your progress, as well as immediate feedback on the lab exercises themselves.

  • Practice exercises for the exam will be provided, allowing you to check your progress throughout the module.

  • Questions can be asked at any time, and will be answered as soon as possible.

Summative Feedback

Marks will be provided for the exam.

Indicative reading

Gardner, J., Microsensors: Principles and Applications, Wiley and Sons, 1994. ISBN 0-471-94135-2.

Bentley, J.P., Principles of Measurement Systems, 3rd ed, 1995. ISBN 0-582-23779-3.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.