86494 - Automatic Controls

Course contents

Propaedeutic Knowledge

- vectors: inner product, outer product, norm, and linear (in)dependency.

- matrices: determinant, inverse, transpose, eigenvalues, eigenvectors, image, kernel.

- linear vector spaces: bases, change of coordinates, orthogonal complement.

- first-order ordinary differential equations: solution.

- multivariable functions: derivative, partial derivative, Jacobian, and gradient.

All the arguments listed above do not represent the main topic of the course, and they are revisited in the classes only marginally.

PART 1 - System Theory

State Space Representation, Stability, Reachability, Observability, Kalman Decomposition, Optimal Control, Optimal State Observer

PART 2 – Applications

Longitudinal Controls: Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

Vertical Controls: Active Suspension Systems (AS)

Lateral Controls: Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

State Estimation

Readings/Bibliography

N. Mimmo "Analysis and Design of Control Laws for Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems" - 2024 - https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-22520-8

PART 1

[1] P. J. Antsaklis, A. N. Michel, "Linear Systems" - Birkhauser (2006) - ISBN 978-0-8176-4434-5

[2] Frank L. Lewis, Draguna L. Vrabie, Vassilis L. Syrmos, "Optimal Control", Third Edition (2012) - Print ISBN:9780470633496 Online ISBN:9781118122631 DOI:10.1002/9781118122631

[3] D. Simon, “Optimal State Estimation: Kalman, H Infinity, and Nonlinear Approaches” – Wiley (2006)

[4] Weintraub, "Jordan Canonical Form. Theory and Practice" - Morgan & Claypool (2009)

PART 2

[5] U. Kiencke, L. Nielsen. “Automotive Control Systems: For Engine, Driveline and Vehicle” - Second Edition – Springer (2005) - ISBN 978-3-642-06211-7

[6] R. Rajamani. “Vehicle Dynamics and Control” – Springer (2012) - ISBN 978-1-4899-8546-0

[7] W. Chen, H. Xiao, Q. Wang, L. Zhao, M. Zhu. “Integrated Vehicle Dynamics and Control” – Wiley (2016)

[8] T. Gillespie, “Fundamentals of Vehicle Dynamics” - Weber (1992)

[9] Ulsoy, A. Galip, Huei Peng, and Melih Çakmakci. "Automotive control systems". Cambridge University Press, 2012.

Teaching methods

Presentations, Video, Wooclap, Blackboard, Electronic Board, Microsoft Teams, Computer Simulations, MATLAB, Simulink.

Assessment methods

The exam consists of a mandatory oral exam and an optional project.

With the oral exam, the student will be able to demonstrate a degree of understanding of the theoretical concepts presented during the course. The maximum grade associated with the oral exam is 24/30.

With the project, which should be group work (max 3 students), the students solve a control problem related to an automotive case study. The group must provide a technical report and the simulator on which the proposed solution is tested. The project is developed in tight collaboration with the teacher in agreement with a recursive "submit and review" process. The mark increment is out of 30, for a maximum increment of 6 points, and it is equal for all the members of the group. These extra points will be added to the oral exam mark.

To pass the exam the students must know the good practices to design a control system with a focus on automotive case studies. The project mark is directly proportional to the quality of their theoretical studies, and the technical quality of the work produced.


The exam modality is unquestionable and is also valid for ERASMUS students.


Attendance is not necessary to take the exam.

Teaching tools

Lecture notes, computer listings, videos, past-year class recordings.

Office hours

See the website of Nicola Mimmo