By the end of this course, students will gain the following knowledge and skill: - Skill in analyzing the dynamics of discrete-time, sampled-data, digital systems by means of models in the discrete-time domain. - Knowledge of the digital control system requirements. - Knowledge of the basic digital control approaches and of the related design methodologies. - Skill in designing digital controller through basic methodologies. - Knowledge of model predictive control control methodologies. - Skill in designing digital control systems by means of model predictive control techniques. - Skill in evaluating control performance by numerical simulation.

Basic skill of MatLab and Simulink. Knowledge of basic concepts on linear dynamic systems such as state space and transfer function representations and stability. Knowledge of basic concepts on feedback control systems analysis and design. Skill in designing basic control devices through both time domain (e.g. state feedback) and frequency domain (e.g. loopshaping) approaches. Knowledge of signal and sampling theory fundamentals.

- Analysis of discrete time, sampled data and digital systems (13 hr). - Control requirements, structures and architectures of digital control systems (5 hr). - Digital controller design through analytic approaches (15 hr). - Model Predictive Control fundamentals (14 hr). - Model Predictive Control solution and implementation through quadratic programming optimization (13 hr).

Theoretical and methodological lessons will be delivered together with example developments by face-to-face instruction in the classroom. Computer laboratory activities are aimed at developing the student’s skill through proper training. Each student is supposed to practice individually with the aid of laboratory work stations. The primary purpose of the laboratory exercises is to apply the methodologies presented in class, through the use of MatLab and Simulink. During the last week of the course, an exam simulation in the laboratory will be offered.

The main reference textbooks are: (1) K.J. Åström, B. Wittenmark, 'Computer-controlled systems', Prentice-Hall, 1997. (2) G.F. Franklin, J.D. Franklin and M. Workman, Digital control of dynamic systems, Addison Wesley,1997. (3) F. Borrelli, A Bemporad, M. Morari, Predictive Control for Linear and Hybrid systems, Cambridge University Press, 2017.

Lecture slides; Lab exercises;

You can take this exam before attending the course

Exam: Computer lab-based test;

Written exam in computer laboratory lasting 2:15 hours divided into two parts. Part I. Up to a maximum of 6 theoretical and practical topics exercises (maximum score: 16/30). The goal of this part of the exam is to verify the understanding of the fundamental topics of analysis and design of digital feedback control systems. The student know-how is verified through questions proposed by means of the Moodle exam platform, in the form of, e.g., multiple-choice, numerical response questions to be solved by the candidate. Part II. Up to a maximum of 2 digital control design problems (maximum score: 17/30). The goal of this part is to verify the students’ skills in designing a digital feedback control system using different approaches, i.e., algebraic methods and/or Model Predictive Control procedures. Evidence of the design procedure must be provided in terms of the MatLab files developed for the design, a text document can be asked to provide further proof of the design development. The final grade is the sum of the scores achieved in the two parts. A mark of 30L/30 is given if the final score is greater or equal than 33. During the exam it is allowed to use a formulary provided by the instructor. The exam is given in LaIB using the exam platform. The course instructor reserves the right to perform an oral examination in specific cases at her/his exclusive discretion. Detailed instructions and rules will be presented during the course.

In addition to the message sent by the online system, students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) are invited to directly inform the professor in charge of the course about the special arrangements for the exam that have been agreed with the Special Needs Unit. The professor has to be informed at least one week before the beginning of the examination session in order to provide students with the most suitable arrangements for each specific type of exam.