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Control Systems
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:37
Abstract
Study of concepts and methods for the mathematical description and analysis of dynamical systems. The concept of feedback. Design of control systems for single input - single output and multivariable systems.
Objective
Study of concepts and methods for the mathematical description and analysis of dynamical systems. The concept of feedback. Design of control systems for single input - single output and multivariable systems.
Content
Process automation, concept of control. Modelling of dynamical systems - examples, state space description, linearisation, analytical/numerical solution. Laplace transform, system response for first and second order systems - effect of additional poles and zeros. Closed-loop control - idea of feedback. PID control, Ziegler - Nichols tuning. Stability, Routh-Hurwitz criterion, root locus, frequency response, Bode diagram, Bode gain/phase relationship, controller design via "loop shaping", Nyquist criterion. Feedforward compensation, cascade control. Multivariable systems (transfer matrix, state space representation), multi-loop control, problem of coupling, Relative Gain Array, decoupling, sensitivity to model uncertainty. State space representation (modal description, controllability, control canonical form, observer canonical form), state feedback, pole placement - choice of poles. Observer, observability, duality, separation principle. LQ Regulator, optimal state estimation.
Resources
Literature
K. J. Aström & R. Murray. Feedback Systems: An Introduction for Scientists and Engineers. Princeton University Press, 2010. R. C. Dorf and R. H. Bishop. Modern Control Systems. Prentice Hall, New Jersey, 2007. G. F. Franklin, J. D. Powell, and A. Emami-Naeini. Feedback Control of Dynamic Systems. Addison-Wesley, 2010. J. Lunze. Regelungstechnik 1. Springer, Berlin, 2014. J. Lunze. Regelungstechnik 2. Springer, Berlin, 2014.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- written 180 minutes
- Aids
- A previously released formulary will be handed out together with the exam. No further aids are allowed.
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Control Systems | No time listed | 2 h weekly |
| exercise | Control Systems | No time listed | 2 h weekly |
Offered In
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5th semester: third year core courses (Can be freely combined, a list of detailed recommendations is available under )
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Specialization: Communications, Control, and Signal Processing (These core courses are particularly recommended for the field of "Communications, Control, and Signal Processing" but students may choose core courses from all fields freely.)
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Specialization: Electric Energy Engineering (These core courses are particularly recommended for the field of "Electric Energy Engineering" but students may choose core courses from all fields freely.)
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Tracks (all): Electives (This is only a short selection. Other courses from the ETH course catalogue may be chosen in agreement with your tutor. As an alternative to the elective courses, students may do a second semester project or an internship in industry. Please consult your tutor.)
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Track: Computers and Networks (The core courses and specialisation courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialise in the area of "Computers and Networks", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
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Specialisation Courses (These specialisation courses are particularly recommended for the area of "Computers and Networks", but you are free to choose courses from any other field in agreement with your tutor. Semester / Research Projects are not allowed in this category. A minimum of 40 credits must be obtained from specialisation courses during the Master's Programme.)
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Track: Systems and Control (The core courses and specialisation courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialise in the area of "Systems and Control", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
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Core Courses (These core courses are particularly recommended for the field of "Systems and Control". You may choose core courses form other fields in agreement with your tutor. A minimum of 24 credits must be obtained from core courses during the MSc EEIT.)
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Foundation Core Courses (Fundamentals at bachelor level, for master students who need to strengthen or refresh their background in the area.)
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Track: Communication (The core courses and specialisation courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialise in the area of "Communication", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
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Specialisation Courses (These specialisation courses are particularly recommended for the area of "Communication", but you are free to choose courses from any other field in agreement with your tutor. Semester / Research Projects are not allowed in this category. A minimum of 40 credits must be obtained from specialisation courses during the Master's Programme.)
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Track: Biomedical Engineering (The core courses and specialisation courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialise in the area of "Biomedical Engineering", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
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Core Courses (These core courses are particularly recommended for the field of "Biomedical Engineering" You may choose core courses form other fields in agreement with your tutor. A minimum of 24 credits must be obtained from core courses during the MSc EEIT.)
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Core Courses (A minimum of 24 credits must be obtained from core courses during the MSc QE, course selection is subject to the tutor's agreement.)
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Engineering Core Courses (These core courses target students with a physics background and all those who need additional engineering foundations.)
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