Rationale
Learners will gain knowledge on control system technology, starting with control system theory, design and modelling, followed by measurement and data acquisition. More specifically, learners will be taught the filtering and signal conditioning, local sensor networks, actuation for small size automation production processes, solenoids latches, pneumatics, PWM control, small DC motors and driving principles, integrated solutions for actuation. A focus will also be placed on state flow control of automation systems, modelling and practical issues, mechanical transmission in mechatronic systems and small gearboxes. Learners will also be taught about typical control signals and control with feedback and/or feedforward, including linear control algorithms, the design of feedforward control signals for gravity, inertia and friction compensation, practical decomposition of complex control system and the control of decomposed system. Other specific topics will include advanced model-based control of mechatronic systems, technology for intelligent control and fuzzy logic control. Learners will also be introduced to Network Protocol Stacks including: the general requirements, resource sharing, multiplexing, layered network architecture, program interfacing, as well to the ISO/OSI reference model and 5-layer model. This unit will provide knowledge about direct link networks, reliable transmissions and use of automatic repeat request protocols and sliding window algorithm. Learners will be enabled to use Local Area Networks: Ethernet (IEEE 802.3), Wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.15) – physical structures, access protocol and operational properties. End-to-end Protocols: Unreliable (UDP) and reliable (TCP) protocols, segment formats, connection establishment and termination, sliding window and adaptive retransmission. This unit also covers domain naming and hierarchies, and embedded systems networks: specific requirements and design issues of embedded systems networks: topologies, protocols, robustness, error handling, as well as synchronous and asynchronous protocols, with examples of embedded systems networks: I2C, SPI, CAN, LIN and the coding of digital data. The work on the basics of network security will include cryptographic algorithms: secret key, public key, message digest; and for security, services will include privacy, authentication, integrity control and non-repudiation. Finally, learners will be able to develop an understanding of the functionality of the hardware and configurable software of control systems and of the design of protection systems with particular reference to IEC standards.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this study unit, the learner will be able to:
1. Interpret the basic concepts of control systems;
2. Apply sensors, actuators, and other electromechanical elements to a
mechatronic system and discuss their use and functions;
3. Explain the state flow control of automation systems;
4. Explain the concepts of feedback and feedforward;
5. Create mechatronic control system models based on fuzzy logic;
6. Explain the concepts of networked control systems.
Academic Calendar
https://moodle.mcast.edu.mt/mod/resource/view.php?id=75066
Unit Lecturer
Prof Edward Gatt
