Control Systems Engineering

MEC 340 Control Systems Engineering explores the theoretical underpinnings and practical applications of automatic control systems. The course begins with an introduction to system modeling using differential equations, progressing to Laplace transforms for analyzing continuous-time systems. Key topics include transfer functions, block diagram reduction, and the analysis of system response in time and frequency domains. Emphasis is placed on understanding system stability through techniques such as the Routh-Hurwitz criterion and root locus plots. Controller design strategies, including proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control, are thoroughly examined. The course also introduces the fundamentals of digital control, covering discrete-time system modeling and analysis. Practical laboratory exercises enhance understanding, culminating in a capstone project that applies learned principles to a real-world control problem. This course equips students with essential tools for designing and optimizing dynamic systems.