Controls/Fall 2024/Test 1

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Previous Tests

Previous Controls tests are available at Dr. G's Big Box of Random.

Equation Sheet

You need to know the basic Laplace properties and the MOAT. The typical transfer function between a motor's shaft angle and the applied voltage will be given.

Test I Fall 2024 Coverage

This test comes primarily from Chapters 1 and 2. Material from Homework 1-4 will be covered. You will not be asked to determine transient characteristics and you will not be required to solve differential equations using classical methods.

• Differential Equations: be able to solve using Unilateral Laplace Transforms. Be able to take the forward and inverse Laplace Transform of MOAT-able signals.
• Transfer Functions: Be able to determine impulse response, step response, and general response for any MOAT-able signal.
• Circuits: be able to use the Mesh Current method to find equations for mesh currents in planar circuits. You should be able to express the equations in the time and frequency domains. You will not need to solve them.
• Circuits 2: be able to use Node Voltage method to find equations for electrical quantities in circuits with operational amplifiers. You should be able to express the equations in the time and frequency domains.
• Translational systems: be able to find the equations of motion for a translational mechanical system involving springs, masses, dampers, and viscous friction. You should be able to express the equations in the time and frequency domains. You will not need to solve them.
• Rotational systems: be able to find the equations of motion for a rotational mechanical system involving torsional springs, inertias, rotational dampers, and rotational viscous friction. You should be able to express the equations in the time and frequency domains. You will not need to solve them.
• Gears: be able to find the equations of motion for systems involving gears - note that the gears may be rotation-to-rotation or rotation-to-translation.
• Electromechanical: be able to use the equation for a potentiometer to relate an electrical system to a rotational mechanical system.
• Motors: be able to determine the transfer function for a system involving a DC motor but not involving springs; also be able to determine motor parameters if given sufficient information such as stall torque, no-load rotational speed, and the like.

Specifically Not On The Test

• Differential equations using "classical" methods
• Maple
• MATLAB