- Docente: Lorenzo Marconi
- Credits: 3
- SSD: IINF-04/A
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: In-person learning (entirely or partially)
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Mechatronics (cod. 6009)
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from Sep 14, 2026 to Dec 14, 2026
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students will know the basic tools for modelling and analysing linear dynamic systems in both the time and frequency domains. They will be able to interpret transfer functions, poles, zeros, transient responses and frequency responses; understand the principles of feedback, reference tracking and disturbance rejection; and analyse and tune elementary proportional, integral and derivative controllers, assessing their effects on system performance and stability.
Course contents
Modelling of elementary dynamic systems of mechatronic interest. Differential equations and transfer functions. Free and forced responses, transient and steady-state behaviour. First- and second-order systems, poles and zeros. Sinusoidal response and Bode plots. Basic concepts of frequency-domain representation of signals. System interconnections and feedback. Closed-loop transfer functions, tracking, disturbances and measurement noise. Stability of feedback systems and root-locus analysis. P, PI and PID controllers, elementary tuning methods and main implementation limitations. Mechatronic examples and applications using MATLAB/Simulink.
Readings/Bibliography
The main course material consists of the lecture slides, notes, exercises and MATLAB/Simulink laboratory material provided by the instructor. Recommended reference textbooks are: G. Marro, Controlli automatici, Zanichelli; P. Bolzern, R. Scattolini, N. Schiavoni, Fondamenti di controlli automatici, McGraw-Hill. Additional references may be suggested during the course.
Teaching methods
The course combines classroom lectures and laboratory sessions. Theoretical concepts are introduced through physical examples and mechatronic applications and developed using mathematical models of progressively increasing complexity. Laboratory activities, mainly based on MATLAB/Simulink, are aimed at verifying the concepts introduced during lectures through simulation and at developing skills in analysing and interpreting the dynamic behaviour of systems.
Assessment methods
The assessment consists of a single laboratory-based examination, in which theoretical and practical skills acquired during the course are evaluated jointly. The examination includes modelling, analysis and control exercises on dynamic systems to be developed using MATLAB/Simulink. During the examination, students may be asked to provide real-time explanations and short discussions of the theoretical concepts involved, the choices made and the interpretation of the obtained results. The evaluation considers the correctness of the approach, the appropriate use of the software tools, and the ability to justify and critically interpret the proposed solutions.
Teaching tools
Lecture slides and teaching material provided by the instructor, whiteboard work for analytical derivations, and MATLAB and Simulink for exercises, simulation and dynamic-system analysis. Dedicated scripts, Simulink models and application examples developed for the course will be provided during the laboratory sessions.
Office hours
See the website of Lorenzo Marconi