Control systems

Control is the use of feedback to obtain desired system performance in the presence of uncertainties. Control systems is a broad field,with aspects of the subject appearing in and drawing upon all engineering fields, the physical and life sciences, management and economics, and mathematics. Control systems are found throughout the man-made and natural worlds. Guidance and control of aircraft and spacecraft, control of complex industrial processes such as semiconductor fabrication lines,and automatic regulation of voltage and frequency within narrow limits in large power networks are typical control system examples. Moreover,principles of feedback control and system theory are increasingly important in widely divergent fields outside engineering, such as economics, business,biology, and political science. Education in automatic control has many facets. Basic principles of dynamic system responses, properties of feedback, and experience with control system design methodologies should be stressed in a strong undergraduate control program. Also important are laboratory experiences, a good background in mathematics and in computer science and engineering, and an introduction to related areas such as communications and signal processing.

Students are strongly encouraged to consult members of the control area committee to plan programs stressing special interests or career goals.

For Students Planning Graduate Study in Control Systems:

A good mathematics background is essential: MATH 418 is recommended over MATH 415, and either MATH 444 or MATH 447. ECE 490 is strongly recommended. Many undergraduates take the first year graduate course ECE 515 --- a petition is required, which is typically approved depending on overall standing of the student. Finally, seek out a mentor among the controls faculty (you can request an official mentor change) for further advice on courses, and to engage in undergraduate research.

Recommended Sequence of Courses in the Control Area:

ECE 486 is the basic undergraduate control course, which could be taken in the junior year, allowing more control-oriented electives in the senior year. The other courses listed provide concepts and techniques important for the control engineer. In addition, MATH 415 or MATH 416 is highly recommended.

Some additional technically oriented electives especially appropriate for the control area include:

MATH 415 or MATH 418, MATH 444 or MATH 447, MATH 446 or 448, MATH 461 or 410, MATH 466, GE 423, GE 424, CS 173, ECE 330, ECE 348, ECE 411, ECE 412, ECE 420,ECE/CS 448, ECE 464, ECE 470, ECE 489

Core Faculty In This Area

For advice on control systems, or potential undergraduate research, there are many opportunities outside of Electrical and Computer Engineering. You can find faculty who are active in systems & control research in these departments: Mechanical Engineering, Industrial & Enterprise Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, and many others.