Course detail

Automatic Control Equipment

FSI-VPRAcad. year: 2025/2026

The course provides a fundamental overview of instrumentation and software-based tools and algorithms used in the automatic control of technological processes. Throughout the course, students will learn the theoretical foundations of electrical, software, and pneumatic tools applied in automation. These theoretical insights are complemented by practical experience, focusing on understanding the principles of these tools and developing the ability to apply acquired skills in real technical tasks. 

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

5

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

doc. Ing. Pavel Škrabánek, Ph.D.

Department

Institute of Automation and Computer Science (ÚAI)

Entry knowledge

Prerequisites include basic knowledge of automatic control, mathematics, and physics at a level covered in prior university courses.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Knowledge and skills are assessed through credit and examination.

Requirements for credit: Attendance at exercises, completion of assigned laboratory tasks, and preparation of a written report based on measurements. Attendance at exercises is mandatory; if this condition is not met, each case is assessed individually by the course instructor. Laboratory exercises are evaluated by the instructor based on student activity, and the laboratory report must be submitted and approved.

Requirements for the examination: Completion of a written test covering knowledge gained in lectures and exercises, followed by an oral examination. Answers to questions are graded with points, and the examination is evaluated according to the A-F scale.

Participation in lectures is recommended, while attendance at exercises is monitored. The method of compensating for missed classes is at the discretion of the exercise supervisor.

Aims

The objective of the course is to familiarize students with electrical and pneumatic instrumentation and basic data processing algorithms used in control loops, examining their operating principles, roles within control circuits, and potential applications.

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to operate, configure, and design control loops using electrical and pneumatic instrumentation, as well as implement basic data processing algorithms.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Balátě, J.: Technické prostředky automatického řízení. Praha, SNTL 1986.
Beneš, P. a kol.:Automatizace a automatizační technika, díl 3- Prostředky automatizační techniky. Computer Press, Praha, 2000.
Debeljkovic, D: Time-Delay Systems, InTech, 2011
Fraden, Jacob: Handbook of Modern Sensors - Physics, Designs and Applications (3rd Edition), Springer - Verlag, 2004
Haluza, J.: Prostředky automatického řízení, tekutinové. Studijní opora oboru Aplikovaná informatika a řízení. VUT Brno, FSI, 2002.
Haluza, J.: Prostředky automatického řízení, tekutinové. Studijní opora oboru Aplikovaná informatika a řízení. 1. vyd. VUT Brno, FSI, 2002.
Isermann, Rolf: Mechatronic systems—fundamentals, Springer Netherlands, 2008
Isermann, Rolf: Mechatronic systems—fundamentals, Springer Netherlands, 2008
LabVIEW Measurements Manual, National Instruments, April 2003 Edition, Part Number 322661B-01, dostupné z www.ni.com
Mitchell, H.B: Multi-Sensor Data Fusion - An Introduction, Springer - Verlag, 2007
Němec, Z.: Prostředky automatického řízení, elektrické. Studijní opora oboru Aplikovaná informatika a řízení. VUT Brno, FSI, ÚAI.2016 Dostupné z http://www.fme.vutbr.cz/elearning...
Rey, G.R., Muneta L. M: Modelling Simulation and Optimization, InTech, 2010
Thomas, C.: Sensor Fusion - Foundation and Applications, InTech, 2011

Recommended reading

Balátě, J. : Technické prostředky automatického řízení. Praha, SNTL 1986.
Beneš, P. a kol.:Automatizace a automatizační technika, díl 3- Prostředky automatizační techniky. Computer Press, Praha, 2000.
FESTO Didactic: Pneumatické řídicí systémy.
FESTO Didactic: Úvod do řízení programovatelným automatem
Firemní literatura, katalogy a webovské stránky automatizačních firem.
Kopáček, J.: Pneumatické mechanismy.
Nilsson, J. W.: Electric Circuits. Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, 1990.
Škopán, M.: Hydraulické pohony strojů. Studijní text - sylabus, VUT Brno, 2004.
Švarc, a kol.: Automatické řízení, CERM, Brno, 2011.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme B-STR-P Bachelor's

    specialization AIŘ , 2 year of study, summer semester, compulsory

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Ing. Pavel Škrabánek, Ph.D.

Syllabus

  1. Introduction, Types of Signals for Information Transmission and Processing, Pulse Modulation
  2. Active Sensors (Thermoelectric, Piezoelectric, Pyroelectric, and Inductive sensors) and Passive Sensors (Inductance, Hall Effect, Capacitive, and Resistive-based sensors)
  3. Electrical Signal Processing Using Passive and Active Circuits
  4. Implementation of Analog Controllers Using Operational Amplifiers, Digital Controllers
  5. Serial Data Transmission, RS-232 and RS-485 Standards, Industrial Buses
  6. Actuators and Drives, Types of Electric Motors, Servomotors
  7. Moravec’s Paradox in Automation, Sampling, Quantization, and Signal Discretization
  8. Discrete Fourier Transform
  9. Basics of Convolution and Digital FIR and IIR Filters
  10. Principles and Properties of Compressed Air, Pneumatic Circuit Diagrams, Components for Compressed Air Production and Distribution
  11. Pneumatic and Electropneumatic Drives and Controls, Types of Pneumatic Cylinders, Motors, and Valves
  12. Practical Applications of Pneumatic Systems

Laboratory exercise

26 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Ing. Pavel Škrabánek, Ph.D.

Syllabus

  1. System Identification from Step Response.
  2. System Identification from Frequency Response.
  3. System Identification with Computer Assistance.
  4. Temperature Control Using Two-Position and Pulse Controllers.
  5. Control Loop with a Compact Controller, Position Servo Mechanism.
  6. Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Relays in Electrical Circuits.
  7. Signal Sampling and the Occurrence of Aliasing.
  8. Application of Fourier Transform and Spectrograms.
  9. Signal Filtering Using FIR and IIR Filters.
  10. Basics of Pneumatic Components, Properties, and Calculations.
  11. Pneumatic Mechanisms and Their Control.
  12. Practical Design and Simulation of Pneumatic Circuits.