Spring 2026 - MSE 490 D100
Special Topic in Mechatronic Systems Engineering (3)
Class Number: 4075
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
-
Course Times + Location:
Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Surrey -
Exam Times + Location:
Apr 25, 2026
Sat, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
Surrey
-
Instructor:
Ahmad Rad
arad@sfu.ca
1 778 782-8512
-
Prerequisites:
To be determined by the instructor subject to approval by the department chair.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Studies in areas not included within the undergraduate course offerings of the engineering science program.
COURSE DETAILS:
| Topic | Duration |
| Fundamental of PID controllers: Plant characteristics; Process reaction curve; Reduced-order modelling; The philosophy of PID controllers; Series and Parallel configuration; Different forms of PID controllers; Derivative kick (overrun); Integral Wind up and solutions; Bumpless transfer. |
Weeks 1-3 |
| Tuning of PID controllers: Zeigler and Nichols Open-loop tuning; Zeigler and Nichols Closed-loop tuning; Other popular tuning methods | Weeks 4-6 |
| PID compensation of Time-Delay systems: Time delay element; Approaches to time delay control; Cascade Control; Smith Predictor; Internal model control; Digital Implementation of PID | Weeks 7-9 |
| Adaptive PID control: Relay Auto-tuner; EXACT; Other auto-tuning methods; Introduction to System Identification and Adaptive control. | Weeks 10-13 |
| Total | 39 hours |
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
Objectives:
This course is aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of PID controllers, their structures, variations and tuning. The course also introduces adaptive control and reviews different Auto-tuning PID controllers.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon satisfactory completion of the course, students are expected to
i) have acquired a solid understanding of the PID controllers;
ii) be able to design and tune PID controllers;
iii) know the basics of relay auto-tuner;
iv) have a good understanding of cascade, feedforward, and IMC design based on PID;
v) be able to demonstrate a form of PID auto-tuner by simulation
vi) have a basic understanding of system identification and adaptive control
vii) be able to use Matlab and Simulink for design and tuning of PID Controller.
Grading
- TBA 100%
NOTES:
References:
1. Liuping Wang, “PID Control System Design and Automatic Tuning using Matlab/Simulink, John Wiley & Sons , 2020
2. Su Whan Sung et al. “Process Identification and PID control”, John Wiley & Sons, 2009. (TS156.8 P7585 2009)
3. Karl J. Astrom; T. Hagglund, “Advanced PID Control”, 2006, ISA, ISBN: 978-1-55617-942-6.
4. Collection of papers from international journals and conferences
Grading Table:
Materials
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.
To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.