ENG3509 : Digital Control, Embedded Systems, Fieldbus Technology
ENG3509 : Digital Control, Embedded Systems, Fieldbus Technology
- Offered for Year: 2026/27
- Module Leader(s): Dr Matthew Armstrong
- Owning School: Engineering
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
To provide the students with an understanding of the fundamentals of Digital Control and the practical principles for design. To provide advanced understanding of sampling principles. To provide guidelines of current trends in the field.
Outline Of Syllabus
Introduction to Digital Control Fundamentals: Sampled signals, linear difference equations and discrete transfer functions, sample and zero order hold operations, quantisation effects, stability analysis techniques, signal analysis and dynamic response, discrete time specifications and their correlation with time and frequency domains, discrete equivalents to continuous transfer functions.
Digital Control Designs using Classical Methods: Discrete time implementations of classical design methods, digital PID controller, root locus design technique, frequency response based designs, introduction to direct design methods.
Controller Implementation: realisation of control systems on an embedded system.
Distributed Control: Fieldbus Technology – Profibus, CANBus, MODbus
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this module, learners will be able to:
-Contrast the similarities and differences between digital and continuous control systems.
-Analyse the characteristic performance of digital control systems,
-Design a digital controller, based on formally recognised design approaches.
-Demonstrate an awareness of practical controller development and implementation issues.
Intended Skill Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this module, learners will be able to:
-Apply continuous to discrete domain transformation methods [M1]
-Design and appraise common digital control methods [M2]
-create simulation models for complex controller design [M12]
-implement digital controller on an embedded system [M12]
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Revision and completion of the Computer Based Assessment (formative) |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Reviewing recorded lecture materials |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Revision and completion of the practical assessment (summative) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Lectures (recorded) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Lectures (in-person) |
| Structured Guided Learning | Academic skills activities | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Private study - exercises, practice and self-testing (some computer based) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 5 | 2:00 | 10:00 | Practical skills development; design for manufacture focus |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Private study - use of notes, supplement understanding of lectures. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Formalisation, write-up, and submission of lab report (coursework) |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 70 | 1:00 | 70:00 | Distance Learning - Work Based Degree Apprenticeship |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
There is a combination of lectures and practical sessions using CAD packages like Matlab/Simulink. Through this combined approach, students will be able to better understand and apply the concepts of advanced digital control systems. Tutorials provide students with the opportunity to apply knowledge and confirm the taught concepts. Tutorials typically align with the expectations of the examination. Self-Directed Learning exercises provide students with the opportunity to explore complex problem based learning exercises using Matlab/Simulink. Self-Directed-Learning exercises also typically align with the expectations of the examination.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 2 | M | 50 | Coursework- lab report (2000 words) |
| Computer assessment | 1 | M | 50 | Problem based exercise, testing simulation and design skills (1000 words) |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer assessment | 1 | M | Mid-module test (60 mins). Practice for written examination. Can be taken anytime. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Knowledge acquired, practical skills, critical analysis and interpretation of data will be tested. (summative)
Computer Based Assessment will provide an opportunity for practice, and mid module self-reflection on learning, in advance of the summative examination. (formative)
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- ENG3509's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- ENG3509's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2026 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, staffing changes, and student feedback. Module information for the 2027/28 entry will be published here in early-April 2027. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.