University of Lincoln Assessment Framework

Assessment Briefing Template 2024-2025

Module Code & Title: EGR9025M – Sensors, Actuators and Controllers

Contribution to Final Module Mark: 50%
Coursework Title: CW2 – Subsystem Design and Performance
Description of Assessment Task and Purpose:

The aim of this coursework is to evaluate in detail the design and performance requirements
of critical components and subsystems in an engineering product or process. It is a group
project (2-3 students per project team)

The system should be one that requires control, sensors and/or actuators as part of its
essential function. A familiar example is the rotatory sensor and a motor, which is used to
control the speed or angle of the rotation. Or a light sensor and a light source such as LEDs.

You can propose your own system or use one of the options suggested below. While the
system does not absolutely require the use of a feedback controller, this will be the normal
assumption. The system should be sufficiently ‘dynamic’ for the following ‘essential steps’ to
be applicable. You are encouraged to demonstrate your knowledge of concepts and methods
presented during the first half of the module.

Essential steps
1. Define the engineering system in question including key performance and other criteria
(cost, reliability, environmental conditions etc.)
2. Consider one or two aspects of the overall system which will be critical to its dynamic
performance, typically sensor(s), controller(s) or actuator(s).
3. Consider design options for that critical subsystem (sensor, component, controller etc.).
Evaluate at a high level the relative merits in terms of cost, weight, performance etc.
4. Evaluate at least two options for the critical component(s) in question. Ideally some different
types will be considered (e.g., linear controller vs. nonlinear controller, single sensor vs. multi-
sensor etc.). Include considerations such as bandwidth, power consumption, robustness, cost,
weight etc. as appropriate.
5. Create a model of the system (including controller if relevant), assuming some nominal (or
ideal) performance of the component in question – e.g., zero sensor noise, no bias or drift.
6. Validate the model via experiments (if available) or from published literature.
7. Develop the model further, to include limitations such as the actuator frequency response,
sensor time-delay etc. Perform tests and/or simulations to evaluate any impact on
performance.
8. For at least one component or subsystem (sensor/actuator etc.) validate your model and if
necessary, develop that model further e.g., by parameter fitting. Ideally this will involve
performing hardware tests in the lab.
9. Each group should provide a report on the findings and make a short presentation in class.

The project should involve detailed modelling and/or simulation and, where possible,
hardware testing, at the system level, at the subsystem/component level, or both.
Suggested Projects
• Sensors or actuators selected to link with a current project (e.g., MEng group project).
There should be clear separation of goals and learning outcomes relative to the existing
project.
• Motor for use as a speed and/or position control.
• Light level control using LEDs and light sensors.
• Light level control using a simulated adjustable window

• Your own proposal!

Notes
• The group size is expected to be 2-3 students.
• Questions? Ask the module leader!

Learning Outcomes Assessed:

1. Critically evaluate a range of sensor and actuator types and their integration into a closed
loop control system
2. Formulate the planning and execution of a design solution to a control problem, and report
on its analysis and conclusions
3. Select and use the appropriate scientific principles to solve an unfamiliar engineering
problem, working as part of a group
4. Develop information search and retrieval skills from all available sources including those
that exist beyond engineering
Knowledge & Skills Assessed:
1. Relating subsystem performance to total system performance
2. Working effectively as part of a team in a laboratory environment.
3. Correlation of hardware and simulation performance
4. Systems engineering and design
5. Frequency domain and time-domain performance of control systems
6. Professional-level technical report writing
Assessment Submission Instructions:
This submission is group work.

All work should be submitted by the deadline stated above. Any late submissions will be
subject to a lateness penalty in line with the University policy.
The method of submission described above should be used in the first instance however, in
cases of technical issues please email your assessment to: soesubmissions@lincoln.ac.uk by
the above deadline. Please include the module code and coursework title in the email subject.
All work will be subject to plagiarism and academic integrity checks. In submitting your
assessment you are claiming that it is your own original work; if standard checks suggest
otherwise, Academic Misconduct Regulations will be applied.
Date for Return of Feedback: 2 weeks after hand-in
Format for Assessment:
Short presentation (PowerPoint) plus report of around 20-25 pages (depending on group size)
Report to be submitted in pdf format.
Marking Criteria for Assessment:
Definition of the engineering system 10%
Key subsystem(s) and design requirements 15%
High level assessment of design(s) 10%
System model and validation 20%
Model/subsystem test & analysis 20%
Conclusions 10%
Report overall quality 10%
Presentation 5%

Please note that all work is assessed according to the University of Lincoln Management of
Assessment Policy and that marks awarded are provisional on Examination Board decisions
(which take place at the end of the Academic Year.

Feedback Format:
Annotation of pdf report
Additional Information for Completion of Assessment:
None
Assessment Support Information:
Please email any questions to SaLiu@lincoln.ac.uk.
Important Information on Academic Integrity:
The use of AI tools is Not permitted
All work will be subject to plagiarism and academic integrity checks. In submitting your
assessment, you are certifying that this is entirely your own work, without input from either
commercial or non-commercial writers or editors or advanced technologies such as artificial
intelligence services unless explicitly allowed and referenced. If standard checks suggest
otherwise, Academic Misconduct Regulations will be applied.