Module Details

Module Code: INTR8033
Title: System Design and Modelling
Long Title: System Design and Modelling
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 2 - 2019/20 ( January 2020 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5213 - Interdisciplinary Engineering
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: The ability to design complex systems and work as part of a team are key graduate attributes within engineering disciplines. In this module learners will work as part of a small team to design, realise and model a functional laboratory-scale piece of equipment. The design includes selecting suitable components, interfacing those components, testing and problem-solving. The system will be interfaced to a computer for monitoring and modelling purposes. The process will be documented via a conference-type paper. The module is delivered using a collaborative project-based learning methodology.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Discuss sustainable development principles and how they apply to this product development project
LO2 Contribute to the design, build and test of a complex physical laboratory-scale system as part of a team
LO3 Interface the laboratory-scale system to a PC using industry-standard tools and software
LO4 Identify and solve technical problems relating to the system build or interfacing aspects of the project
LO5 Use specialised computer-aided design tools to identify a model for the designed physical system that is appropriate for controller design purposes
LO6 Communicate project results via a written engineering conference-style paper
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
14715 INTR7033 Modelling and Control
14716 INTR7031 Modelling and Control Analysis
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Sustainable Development
Sustainable Development goals, sustainable development practices, electronic waste, environmental impact, impact on people and communities, IEEE code of practice
Sensors and Actuators
Characteristics of commonly used actuators such as dc motors, how they work and parameters to consider when selecting one. Sensor characteristics such as linearity, range, accuracy, etc. Principles of operation of some basic sensors e.g. tachometers, incremental encoders, ultra-sonic and infra-red sensors.
Interfacing
Characteristics of the PCIe-6321 data acquisition card from NI (or some equivalent). Initialising the data-acquisition board. Interfacing analog and simple digital signals to the PCIe-6321. Interfacing incremental encoders and tacho-signals to the PCIe-6321. Generating PWM signals via the PCIe-6321. Configuring Simulink to enable real-time data-acquisition. Using Simulink to process the raw data and generate usable measurements e.g. RPM from a series of pulses. Filtering noisy data. Linearising data.
Modelling and System Identification
Overview of purpose and types of models including linear and non-linear, differential equations and transfer functions. Review of first-order systems and systems with time delay. Explain the dynamics associated with second-order systems including percentage overshoot and damping factor. How to identify second-order systems from real data. Explain the system identification process. Explain how to use the System Identification Toolbox in MATLAB to identify models of systems from real data. Validating and evaluating the accuracy of identified models using open and closed-loop data.
Team Project
Students will work in teams of ~4 to design, select components, integrate components, build, test, solve problems and realise a complex laboratory-scale system. The system will be interfaced to MATLAB/Simulink via a suitable data-acquisition card. The team will be responsible for planning and executing the project. Individuals will be expected to take responsibility for aspects of the design, interfacing and modelling and communicate progress and outputs to the rest of the team in a professional and timely manner. To support this process the module will provide guidance on team-work skills including characteristics of effective teams, communication skills, conflict resolution, project planning and monitoring. Professional conduct and the requirement to act with integrity and objectivity, give appropriate credit to work done by others in their teams and to always treat others with respect and professional courtesy.
Writing
Supports for the various types of documents will be included: writing test protocols; documenting individual project outputs; minutes of meetings. Writing skills will include guidance on how to reference using the IEEE format, the structure of an academic paper, writing abstracts, introductions and conclusions, improving the logic and flow of the writing as well as common grammatical errors
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 30
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6
Assessment Description
Document and evidence the responsibilities that the individual assumed and their contribution to the team effort via a learning log.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,6
Assessment Description
Written Paper: A first draft of an individual IEEE-type paper that focuses on describing the design process, results, theoretical concepts, analysis and evaluation of the design and results. This is primarily a formative assessment.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 60
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6
Assessment Description
Written Paper: An individual paper (IEEE format or equivalent) documenting project output, individuals contribution and individual analysis, discussion, and conclusion.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Interactive lectures to introduce necessary theory and tools to complete the module. Learners are expected to interact with each-other or with audience response systems during these lectures Every Week 1.00 1
Lab Contact Practical work of designing, building, integrating, testing the laboratory-scale system. This work is to be completed in groups and individuals are expected to take responsibility for completing sub-components of the project. Every Week 3.00 3
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Review notes, engage with additional resources on Canvas e.g. supports to help with the writing process and managing teams/projects. Complete short questions on Canvas. Contribute to team meetings to organise work. Complete allocated technical work, prepare assessment elements. Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Interactive lectures to introduce necessary theory and tools to complete the module. Learners are expected to interact with each-other or with audience response systems during these lectures Every Week 1.00 1
Lab Contact Practical work of designing, building, integrating, testing the laboratory-scale system. This work is to be completed in groups and individuals are expected to take responsibility for completing sub-components of the project. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Review notes, engage with additional resources on Canvas e.g. supports to help with the writing process and managing teams/projects. Complete short questions on Canvas. Contribute to team meetings to organise work. Complete allocated technical work, prepare assessment elements. Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Lennart Ljung & Torkel Glad. (2016), Modeling & Identification of Dynamic Systems, Studentlitteratur AB, [ISBN: 978-914411688].
  • Robert Irish, Mya Poe, Thomas Deans. (2016), Writing in Engineering: A Brief Guide, 1st. Oxford University Press, UK, [ISBN: 978-019934355].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • McLoone & Maloco. (2016), A Cost-effective Hardware-based Laboratory Solution for Demonstrating PID Control, Proceedings of the UKACC 11th International Conference on Control, Belfast, UK, 31st August - 2nd September, 2016.
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_EEPSY_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Electrical Engineering 7 Mandatory
CR_EELES_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Electronic Engineering 7 Mandatory