ACTC Training Courses

Training courses are provided on a wide range of subjects, from fundamental control theory to advanced control philosophies and expert systems. These can be used as refresher courses for your engineers, or to bring a team up to speed on new or advanced techniques.

The training courses can be customised so that the material targets a particular area, alternatively examples can be used that have relevance to the trainees' business.

 

General Control Engineering Training Courses

The training courses described below represent the most comprehensive available in the field of control engineering and can be focused on particular requirements of the client company. Individual modules from different courses can be mixed to form a client specific course.  In addition the courses can be aimed at technician to research engineer level

Should your company require course modules which are not listed then our relationship with Strathclyde University can be exploited to ensure that tuition on virtually any control technique can be provided. Courses are generally run as and when required and can be conducted on your own premises or here in Glasgow.

 

images/M_blue.gif (1008 bytes)    Control Fundamentals, Part 1 – Theory (2-day Course)

The course provides training at an engineering level in Classical Control Theory and Control System Design. The course presents frequency and time domain analysis of linear control systems. The PID controller and tuning methods are also covered. Significant hands-on examples are used to reinforce the lectures. A follow on course "Control Fundamentals 2 - Practice" extends this to looking at digital control, non-linearities and system identification.

This is one of the most popular training course that we offer. It is especially useful to those engineers who may not have had specific control theory teaching during their electrical or mechanical engineering degrees. It also provides an excellent refresher course in basic control engineering for practising engineers.

images/M_blue.gif (1008 bytes)    Control Fundamentals, Part 2 – Practice (2-day Course)

This is a follow-on course to "Control Fundmentals 1 - Theory" and covers additional, more practical topics, including digital control, non-linearities and system identification. Again, significant hands-on examples are used to reinforce the lectures.

images/M_blue.gif (1008 bytes)    Mathematics for Engineers and Control (3-day Course)

The course is suitable for engineers, academics and students who, from a non-mathematical background, are currently practising in a field of engineering or science and wish to update or refresh their mathematical knowledge. Engineering literature often assumes prior knowledge of mathematical terms. By attending the above course, delegates will find such literature easier to understand. More generally, this course will provide delegates with mathematical skills required to solve complex engineering problems encountered in practice.

images/M_blue.gif (1008 bytes)    Predictive Control (1-day Course)

Predictive control is probably the most popular advanced control technique adopted by the industry. Its popularity stems from capability for constraints handling and optimal control framework. The course provides overview of Predictive Control techniques and then gives guidelines for analysis and tuning of predictive controllers.

images/M_blue.gif (1008 bytes)    Overview of Modern Control Techniques (1-day Course)

This mid-level training course is aimed at design engineers, new graduates and those interested in enhancing their understanding of advanced control. Some knowledge of classical control design techniques and mathematics is preferable, but not essential. The course aims to provide each delegate with a much clearer understanding of both the need for and some of the most popular approaches to advanced control. The focus will be less on formal mathematical proofs and more on practical application of each technique.

images/M_blue.gif (1008 bytes)    Introduction to Estimation and Kalman Filtering (2-day Course)

This course is aimed at introducing the Estimation theory, Kalman Filter and its application to engineers. The Kalman Filter and Extended Kalman Filter theory and practical applications are presented. Significant hands-on examples are used to reinforce the lectures.

images/M_blue.gif (1008 bytes)    Optimisation and System Identification (3-day Course)

This three day training course introduces two closely related topics of Optimisation and System Identification. The Optimisation is extremely important subject used across all the Engineering fields. For control engineering applications it is widely used for optimal control and parameter identification/estimation. The system identification is probably the most important and difficult step required for a successful modern control design. The Course is aimed at engineers who are involved in system modeling and model based control/simulation. All presented topics will be supported by practical engineering examples and will arm trainees with efficient approach to tackle real-life problems. Lectures and Hands-On sessions will provide a methodology and step-by-step guide of using all presented algorithms in their engineering practice.

images/M_blue.gif (1008 bytes)    Introduction to Robust and Multivariable Control Design (3-day Course)

The basic concepts of robustness of control system and problems associated with the multivariable systems are introduced. Control techniques like Pole-Placement, Linear-Quadratic Optimal Control, H-infinity and predictive control are introduced. Available computer design packages are discussed and examples given during hands-on sessions.

images/M_blue.gif (1008 bytes)    Introduction to MATLAB/Simulink (1-day Course)

This short training course introduces MATLAB/Simulink engineering packages and presents its application to control engineering problems.

images/M_blue.gif (1008 bytes)    Introduction to LabVIEW and Control Design/Simulation Toolkit (1-day Course)

This short training course introduces LabVIEW and Control Design and Simulation Toolkit. The software tool capabilities are presented and its application to control engineering problems.

images/M_blue.gif (1008 bytes)    Fundamentals of Dynamic Control using LabVIEW

This is the standard Control Fundamentals course but it uses LabVIEW Simulation and Control design during Hands-On sessions.

images/M_blue.gif (1008 bytes)    Introduction to Fuzzy Logic and Fuzzy Control (1-day Course)

This course provides a simple introduction to the concept of Fuzzy Logic and how it can be used for control. An industrial application (paper making moisture control) is used in the hands-on to illustrate the concepts.

images/M_blue.gif (1008 bytes)    Neural Networks for Modelling, Control and Fault Detection (1-day Course)

This course on Artificial Neural Networks covers topics ranging from simple introductory material (the course assumes no prior knowledge of the subject) to more advanced application material, looking at how neural networks can be applied for system modelling, estimation and fault detection. The lectures were complemented by computer based hands-on examples, utilising Matlab and its Neural Network toolbox. The course is also available as a 3- Day course.

images/M_blue.gif (1008 bytes)    Introduction to Nonlinear Control (3-day Course)

This three-day course presents a variety of nonlinear control techniques, including nonlinear minimum variance, multiple model methods, nonlinear control using EKF and predictive control for nonlinear systems. These topics are introduced through lectures and application orientated (automotive) computer-based examples. The first day introduces the concept of a nonlinear system and how it is represented and classical approaches for coping with nonlinearities, making the course ideal for control engineers with no prior exposure to nonlinear control

 

Automotive Specific Training Courses

images/M_blue.gif (1008 bytes)    Introduction to Modelling, Simulation and Control for Automotive Applications - given to Jaguar Cars, Ford (Dearborn, USA)

images/M_blue.gif (1008 bytes)    Kalman Filtering for Automotive Applications - given to Jaguar Cars, Ford (Dearborn, USA) and Ford (UK)

images/M_blue.gif (1008 bytes)    Overview of Advanced Control for Automotive Applications - given to Jaguar Cars, Ford (Dearborn, USA) and Visteon

images/M_blue.gif (1008 bytes)    Nonlinear Control for Automotive Applications - to be given to Ford (Dearborn, USA)

 

Aerospace Specific Training Courses

images/M_blue.gif (1008 bytes)    Introduction to Modelling, Simulation and Control for Aerospace Applications - given to Boeing (Seattle, USA)

images/M_blue.gif (1008 bytes)    Robust and Multivariable Control Design for Aerospace Applications - given to Boeing (Seattle, USA)

images/M_blue.gif (1008 bytes)    Introduction to Kalman Filtering - given to GKN Westland Helicopters

 

Metals Processing Specific Training Courses

images/M_blue.gif (1008 bytes)    9th International Rolling Mill Academy, 5-9 November, Glasgow, Scotland

images/M_blue.gif (1008 bytes)    Shape and Gauge Control - given jointly with Alstom Power Conversion to Corus

images/M_blue.gif (1008 bytes)    Introduction to Kalman Filtering - given to Corus and Alcan

images/M_blue.gif (1008 bytes)    Predictive Control for Rolling Processes - given to Corus

images/M_blue.gif (1008 bytes)    Nonlinear MPC for Reheat Furnace Challenge - given to Corus

 

Power Generation Specific Training Courses

images/M_blue.gif (1008 bytes)    Control Fundamentals for Power Generation - given to Scottish Power and RWEnpower

 

Process Industry Specific Training Courses

images/M_blue.gif (1008 bytes)    Introduction to Process Control (One Day) - This basic level course is aimed at technicians, operators and new graduates working in a process control environment. It has been delivered to Lyondell, Total Oil Refinery, GSK, Caledonian Paper, Pilkington Glass and Avecia. This course can now be delivered either as (click the link for the different agendas):

 

Servomechanism Specific Training Courses

images/M_blue.gif (1008 bytes)    Control Design for Servomechanisms (Three or Four Days) - This course has been specifically formulated for engineers who need a basic introduction to the control of servomechanisms. Illustrative examples and hands-on exercises (including a real-life servo system) are used extensively to reinforce the underlying control theory presented. The following topics are covered by the course; physical components; modelling and simulation of servo systems; classical control design; digital control; servo testing and system identification. This course has been delivered to SELEX-SAS, Raytheon and Thales Optronics, as well as a scheduled course with attendees from many other companies.

images/M_blue.gif (1008 bytes)    Hinf Design for Servomechanisms - given to BAE Systems (Electro-Optics)

 

LabVIEW Specific Training Courses

images/M_blue.gif (1008 bytes)    Fundamentals of Dynamic Control using LabVIEW - given to National Instruments, (Austin, USA).