ECE4132 Control system design
Faculty of Engineering
ECE4132 Control system design is a level 4, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Engineering, offered in 2026 in Semester 2 at Clayton and Malaysia. It needs ENG2005 and (ECE2011 or ECE2111) and unlocks 1 unit.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 2
- Clayton, Malaysia
- Assessment
- Exam 60%
- and 4 other tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before ECE4132
Prohibitions
You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.
Prerequisites
Pass these before you enrol.
After ECE4132
1 unit list ECE4132 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Enrolment rules
E6011 Master of Professional Engineering - You are exempt from the prerequisite rule if you are enrolled in this course.
Overview
This unit introduces core methods for the analysis and design of feedback controllers for dynamical systems. Linear time-invariant models of dynamical systems, and their representations based on differential equations, transfer functions, state space models, and time and frequency response are covered. The concepts of poles and zeros, forward transfer functions, and PID control will be developed. Stability of feedback systems, and classical root locus and frequency-response design approaches will be covered. Discrete-time/sampled data control systems are introduced, along with emulation design methods. The unit concludes with design methods based on state-space models, along with the concepts of canonical state-space representations, controllability and observability.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | On campus |
| Second semester | Malaysia | On campus |
Assessment
- Unit engagementQuiz / TestThreshold hurdle2%
- QuizzesQuiz / TestThreshold hurdle6%
- AssignmentsExerciseThreshold hurdle12%
- ProjectThreshold hurdle20%
- Final assessmentExaminationThreshold hurdle60%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Construct mathematical descriptions of single-input single-output (SISO) closed loop feedback systems using state-space, transfer function, and differential/difference equation models.
- 2
Assess the stability and dynamic performance of SISO control systems.
- 3
Generate PID and state-space controllers, meeting design specifications, using analytical and computer-based techniques.
- 4
Design discrete-time/sampled-data controllers for continuous-time systems
- 5
Verify, experimentally, SISO control designs generated using different design approaches
Workload and teaching
- Practical activities24 hours
- Workshops24 hours
- Teaching approachProblem-based learning
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Teaching approachSimulation or virtual practice
The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.
You will complete regular problem-based computational assignments as well as an open-ended design project.
Throughout the workshops, you will participate in activities, such as polling, group-based problem-solving and computational tasks, to develop your conceptual understanding and computational skills.
Computational tools are used extensively to simulate, analyse and design control systems.
Where it fits
ECE4132 is part of 2 areas of study in the 2026 handbook.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Yin Jou Khong
- Dr Wynita Griggs
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Wynita Griggs
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for ECE4132?
You need ENG2005 and (ECE2011 or ECE2111) before you enrol. Enrolment rules also apply.
What can I take after ECE4132?
ECE4132 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 1 unit, including ECE4032.
When is ECE4132 offered?
In 2026, ECE4132 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton and Malaysia.
How much work is ECE4132?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does ECE4132 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 60% of the final mark, alongside 4 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include ECE4132?
ECE4132 is part of Biomedical engineering; and Electrical and computer systems engineering.