James W. Kamman, Ph.D.
Western Michigan University

ME 3600 Control Systems: Selected Course Notes  

Below are links to some selected course notes.  Each is in PDF format that you can read and print using Adobe Acrobat Reader.  To download a free copy of Acrobat reader, click on the "get Adobe Acrobat Reader" link below.    

1. Control Systems Terminology

2. Mathematical Models

3. Linearity Principles

4. Linearization of Algebraic Models

5. Linearization of Pendulum Equations of Motion

6. Model for a Hydraulic Positioning System

7. Laplace Transforms

8. Laplace Transform Table

9. Examples: Laplace Transforms

10. Partial Fraction Expansions

11. Examples: Partial Fraction Expansions

12. Transfer Functions

13. Cramer's Rule for Solving a System of Linear Equations

14. Block Diagrams and Transfer Functions

15. Armature Controlled DC Motor Transfer Function

16. Proportional Control of a Spring-Mass-Damper Position

17. Control System Characteristics

18. Design Problem DP4.2

19. First Order System Step Response

20. Using Feedback to Modify Transient Response of a First Order System

21. Characteristics of Under-damped, Second Order System Step Response

22. Second Order System Step Response

23. Dominant (or Insignificant) Poles

24. System Type and Steady-State Error 

25. Performance Indices

26. Performance Examples

27. Design Problem DP5.1

28. Routh-Hurwitz Criterion

29. Design Problem DP6.4

30. What is a Root Locus Diagram?

31. Root Locus Diagrams

32. Summary Procedure for Root Locus Diagram

33. Root Locus Diagram Examples

34. Using MATLAB for a Root Locus Analysis

35. Introduction to Bode Diagrams 

36. Summary of Bode Diagram Terms

37. Bode Diagram of a 2nd Order System

38. Bode Magnitude Diagram Examples

39. Blank Bode Magnitude Plot

40. Frequency Domain Analysis

41. PID Control of a Spring-Mass-Damper Position

42. Implementation of PID Controllers in Electronic Circuits