Electrical Engineering Technology Online
ET 438a Control Systems Technology Course Introduction and Orientation
Dr. Carl J. Spezia PE
Associate Professor
Department of Technology
This course covers the fundamental concepts and tools used to model and design continuous automatic control systems. Mathematical models for electric, hydraulic, and thermal process systems are examined. The Laplace transform, transfer function, block diagram and signal flow graph are applied to the modeled systems to determine the system response and design stable control systems. Computer implementations of graphical analysis and design techniques are covered. These methods include root locus, and frequency response methods. A laboratory demonstrates practical applications of measurement and control.
Textbook:
Introduction to Control System Technology, 7th. Edition, Robert N. Bateson.
References:
Process Control Instrumentation Technology, 5th Edition, Curtis D. Johnson.
Matlab Users Guide, Student Edition, Mathworks Inc.
Required Software:
This course uses software packages to design and simulate the operation of control systems and electronic circuits. The MatLAB/Simulink software by MathWorks Inc. allows users to perform engineering calculations and create block diagrams based on physical systems. The software computes the response of the modelled system in both time and frquency domains. Student versions of this software are available. Follow this link to access the MathWorks site.
This course also utilizes circuit simulation software distributed by Cadence Design Systems. A student version of the OrCad PCB Designer Lite software is available from this site. This software is a suite of software packages that provide Pspice circuit simulation and printed circuit board design capabilities. The lite version is has limitations, but they will not imped use in this course.
Students should obtain and install these software packages as soon as possible. Homework and lab activities require the use of these tools.
What Next?
You need to access the course syllabus from this page or from Desire2Learn, then view the instructor’s introduction video.
Emergency Procedures
SIUC is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for study and work. Because some health and safety circumstances are beyond our control, we ask that you become familiar with the SIUC Emergency Response Plan and Building Emergency Response Team (BERT) program. Emergency response information is available on the BERT website at www.bert.siu.edu, Department of Public Safety’s website www.dps.siu.edu www.dps.siu.edu (disaster drop down) and in the Emergency Response Guidelines pamphlet. Know how to respond to each type of emergency.
Instructors will provide guidance and direction to students in the classroom in the event of an emergency affecting your location. It is important that you follow these instructions and stay with your instructor during an evacuation or sheltering emergency. The Building Emergency Response Team will assist your instructor in evacuating the building or sheltering within the facility.