Overview
This unit will enable you to develop an advanced understanding of digital control techniques applied in industrial control systems. The unit will introduce you to Z-transforms and Z-domain analysis of control systems through transformations. You will design and implement digital filters. You will learn discrete state space modelling and analysis of control systems. The unit will also equip you with knowledge of optimal control techniques such as linear quadratic filtering. You will also learn about important digital control implementation techniques such as proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control, pole placement control, and linear quadratic gaussian (LQG) control. Students will be required to attend a compulsory residential school in order to complete the laboratory experiments. Prior knowledge of the basic concepts of electrical circuit analysis, signals and linear systems, and control systems is assumed.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2026
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 12-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 25 hours of study per week, making a total of 300 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Head of Course (HoC)
Too many assessments and Learning Outcomes (LOs) are not properly matched to the assessments.
Update Unit Proposal (UUP) should be initiated to review and reduce the number of assessments.
- Model discrete-time systems from continuous-time systems using methods such as zero-order hold (ZoH), bilinear transform and state-space discretisation
- Understand key concepts on linear time invariant (LTI) systems and the application of Z-transform
- Analyse the stability and performance of digital control systems using Z-domain techniques such as Jury’s Criterion, Root Locus, Bode plots, and Nyquist plots
- Design digital controllers using techniques such as Proportional (P), Proportional-Integral (PI), Proportional-Derivative (PD), and PID type controllers
- Design digital controllers using pole placement filters, linear quadratic gaussian (LQG) filters and state space techniques
- Document and communicate professional engineering information, including computer-based simulations.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 1 - In-class Test(s) - 30% | ||||||
| 2 - Laboratory/Practical - 30% | ||||||
| 3 - In-class Test(s) - 40% | ||||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 1 - Knowledge | ||||||
| 2 - Communication | ||||||
| 3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills | ||||||
| 4 - Research | ||||||
| 5 - Self-management | ||||||
| 6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility | ||||||
| 7 - Leadership | ||||||
| 8 - First Nations Knowledges | ||||||
| 9 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||||
Textbooks
Digital Control System Analysis and Design
4th Global Edition (2015)
Authors: Phillips, C. L., Nagle. H. T., and Chakrabortty, A.
Pearson
ISBN: 9781292061887 (pdf); 9781292061221 (paperback)
Digital Control
(2007)
Authors: Moudgalya, K. M.
John Wiley and Sons Ltd
ISBN: 9780470517109 (online); 9780470031445 (paperback)
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Students will need access Matab/Simulink to complete some tasks.
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
s.hettiwatte@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Modelling of Sampled Data Systems
Chapter
Chapter 3 (Phillips, et al)
Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 (Moudgalya)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Linear Systems
Chapter
Chapter 2 (Phillips, et al)
Chapter 3 (Moudgalya)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Z-Transforms
Chapter
Chapter 2 (Phillips, et al)
Chapter 4 (Moudgalya)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Z-Transforms
Chapter
Chapter 2 (Phillips, et al)
Chapter 4 (Moudgalya)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Frequency Domain Analysis
Chapter
Chapter 7 (Phillips, et al)
Chapter 5 (Moudgalya)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Transfer Function Based Controller Design - Structures and Specifications
Chapter
Chapter 8 (Phillips, et al)
Chapter 7 (Moudgalya)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Proportional, Integral, Derivative Controllers
Chapter
Chapter 8 (Phillips, et al)
Chapter 8 (Moudgalya)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Residential Schools are held this week. See the CQUniversity handbook for locations and time information.
Module/Topic
Pole Placement Controllers
Chapter
Chapter 9 (Phillips, et al)
Chapter 9 and Chapter 10 (Moudgalya)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Linear Quadratic Gaussian Control
Chapter
Chapter 11 (Phillips, et al)
Chapter 13 (Moudgalya)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
State Space Techniques in Controller Design
Chapter
Chapter 9 (Phillips, et al)
Chapter 14 (Moudgalya)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
State Space Techniques in Controller Design
Chapter
Chapter 9 (Phillips, et al)
Chapter 14 (Moudgalya)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Revision
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 In-class Test(s)
This written assessment will assess you on the learning outcomes 1, 2 and 3. It will be held as an Open Book, individual written assessment. It will be held on campus during the time allocated for the Workshop in Week 6. The duration of the test will be 2 hours. The test will consist of three or four problems. For some of the problems, you will require access to a computer with Matlab during the test. Handwritten solutions on A4 sheets must be uploaded to Moodle as a single PDF file at the end of the test. Any Matlab generated results should also be attached to your submission.
AI ASSESSMENT SCALE - NO AI
You must not use AI at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
This assessment is exempted from the 72-hour submission grace period and must be completed by the stated submission date/time.
Week 6 Monday (13 Apr 2026) 6:00 pm AEST
We endeavour to return the graded answer scripts through Moodle within two weeks from the closing date of the assessment or the submission date (whichever occurs later)
Each answer to a question in this assignment will be assessed for the criterion accuracy and correct results and given a mark as specified in the assessment.
The Assignment will be checked for accuracy and correct results, including:
- Correct application of mathematics
- Answers clearly identified
- Correct results
In addition, the assignment as a whole will be assessed against the following criteria:
- Evidence of correct procedures: All necessary steps in analysis are present on correct order
- Clear presentation of mathematical workings linking given details of the problem to the results obtained
- Evidence of checking results (mathematical, graphical, logic-common sense)
- Evidence of understanding of the topic: Explanation of choices made in the analysis (why is procedure required, why this particular procedure)
- Interpretation of results, example: limitations, direction of vectors, etc.
- Part marks may be awarded for the correct procedure even if your final answer is incorrect.
- Model discrete-time systems from continuous-time systems using methods such as zero-order hold (ZoH), bilinear transform and state-space discretisation
- Understand key concepts on linear time invariant (LTI) systems and the application of Z-transform
- Analyse the stability and performance of digital control systems using Z-domain techniques such as Jury’s Criterion, Root Locus, Bode plots, and Nyquist plots
2 Laboratory/Practical
This laboratory assessment will assess you on the learning outcomes 1, 2, 4 and 6. It is an individual activity.
Residential Schools (laboratories) will be conducted physically (face to face) on two different days at ROK and MEL campuses (subjected to availability of enrolled students at each campus).
The planned days for Residential Schools are as follows:
- Rockhampton North campus on 29th April (Wednesday) 2026 from 9AM to 5PM
- Melbourne campus on 1st May (Friday) 2026 from 9AM to 5PM
See the CQUniversity handbook and Moodle site for the schedule and location information. Information about the format of the laboratory report is provided on unit Moodle site.
AI ASSESSMENT SCALE - AI COLLABORATION
You may use AI to assist with specific tasks such as drafting text, refining and evaluating your work. You must critically evaluate and modify any AI-generated content you use.
This assessment is exempted from the 72-hour submission grace period and must be completed by the stated submission date/time.
Week 10 Thursday (21 May 2026) 11:45 pm AEST
Marking of the report will be done according to the following criteria:
- The accuracy and relevance of information
- Application of knowledge
- Language and grammar used in answering questions
- Proper referencing of sources of information
- Inclusion of all relevant Equations, images, data and tables, and the quality of presentation and layout
- The marking scheme will be published on unit Moodle site together with Laboratory instruction sheets
- Model discrete-time systems from continuous-time systems using methods such as zero-order hold (ZoH), bilinear transform and state-space discretisation
- Understand key concepts on linear time invariant (LTI) systems and the application of Z-transform
- Design digital controllers using techniques such as Proportional (P), Proportional-Integral (PI), Proportional-Derivative (PD), and PID type controllers
- Document and communicate professional engineering information, including computer-based simulations.
3 In-class Test(s)
This written assessment will assess you on the learning outcomes 3, 4 and 5. It will be held as an Open Book, individual written assessment. It will be held on campus during the Vacation/Exam Week (Week 14). The duration of the test will be 3 hours. The test will consist of five or six problems. For some of the problems, you will require access to a computer with Matlab during the test. Handwritten solutions on A4 sheets must be uploaded to Moodle as a single PDF file at the end of the test. Any Matlab generated results should also be attached to your submission.
AI ASSESSMENT SCALE - NO AI
You must not use AI at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
This assessment is exempted from the 72-hour submission grace period and must be completed by the stated submission date/time.
Vacation/Exam Week Monday (15 June 2026) 11:45 pm AEST
The exact date and time will be notified to you closer to the date.
We endeavour to return the graded answer scripts through Moodle within two weeks from the closing date of the assessment or the submission date (whichever occurs later).
Each question in the In-class test 2 will be assessed separately for the criterion accuracy and correct results and given a mark from zero to 100 marks. Marks will be awarded based on the accuracy and correct results, including:
- Correct application of mathematics
- Answers clearly identified
- Correct results
In addition, the assignment as a whole will be assessed against the following criteria:
- Evidence of correct procedures
- All necessary steps in analysis are present in correct order
- Clear presentation of mathematical workings linking given details of the problem to the results obtained
- Evidence of checking results (mathematical, graphical, logic-common sense)
- Evidence of understanding of the topic
- Explanation of choices made in the analysis (why is the particular procedure required?)
- Interpretation of results, e.g., limitations, direction of vectors
- Professional presentation
- The work (job) is clearly identified (problem, date, analyst)
- Clear statement of each problem and its details and requirements
- Logical layout of analysis
- Appropriate use of diagrams
- Correct use of terminology, conventions
- Clear, concise use of English in the presentation
- Referencing as appropriate
- Part marks may be awarded for the correct procedure even if your final answer is incorrect.
- Analyse the stability and performance of digital control systems using Z-domain techniques such as Jury’s Criterion, Root Locus, Bode plots, and Nyquist plots
- Design digital controllers using techniques such as Proportional (P), Proportional-Integral (PI), Proportional-Derivative (PD), and PID type controllers
- Design digital controllers using pole placement filters, linear quadratic gaussian (LQG) filters and state space techniques
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
