Control Systems Simplified

The advent of digital computers and the availability of ever cheaper and faster micro processors have brought a tremendous amount of control system applications to the automotive industry in the last two decades. From engine and transmission systems, to virtually all chassis subsystems (brakes, suspensions, and steering), some level of computer control is present. Control systems theory is also being applied to comfort systems such as climate control and safety systems such as cruise control or collision mitigation systems.

This seminar begins by introducing the highly mathematical field of control systems focusing on what the classical control system tools do and how they can be applied to automotive systems. Dynamic systems, time/frequency responses, and stability margins are presented in an easy to understand format. Utilizing Matlab and Simulink, students will learn how simple computer models are generated. Other fundamental techniques in control design such as PID and lead-lag compensators will be presented as well as the basics of embedded control systems. During this interactive seminar, attendees will utilize case studies to develop a simple control design for a closed loop system. And, with the aid of a simple positioning control experiment, students will learn the major components and issues found in many automotive control applications today.