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EL2520 Control Theory and Practice, Advanced Course 7.5 credits

Administer About course

The aim of this course is to provide the basic theory required for solving complex control problems. The course presents theory and methodology for analysis and modelling of systems and signals, and methods for design and synthesis of feedback controllers. Special emphasis is placed on:

  • Control of systems with multiple inputs and outputs.
  • Fundamental limitations for control performance.
  • Sensitivity and robustness in feedback systems.
  • Synthesis of controllers through optimization.
  • Predictive control with constraints.

Information per course offering

Choose semester and course offering to see current information and more about the course, such as course syllabus, study period, and application information.

Termin

Information for Spring 2026 Start 16 Mar 2026 programme students

Course location

KTH Campus

Duration
16 Mar 2026 - 1 Jun 2026
Periods
P4 (7.5 hp)
Pace of study

50%

Application code

60932

Form of study

Normal Daytime

Language of instruction

English

Course memo
Course memo is not published
Number of places

Max: 120

Target group

Open for all programmes as long as it can be included in your programme.

Planned modular schedule
[object Object]
Schedule
Schedule is not published

Contact

Examiner
No information inserted
Course coordinator
No information inserted
Teachers
No information inserted

Course syllabus as PDF

Please note: all information from the Course syllabus is available on this page in an accessible format.

Course syllabus EL2520 (Spring 2021–)
Headings with content from the Course syllabus EL2520 (Spring 2021–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )

Content and learning outcomes

Course contents

The course introduces basic theory and methods for analysis and design of advanced multivariable control systems.
•    Basic properties of multivariable linear dynamic systems, such as poles, zeros, system gain, input and output directions
•    Calculation of signal norms and system gain
•    Analysis of stability with the Small Gain Theorem
•    Analysis of feedback systems in terms of critical transfer functions, such as the sensitivity function and the complementary sensitivity function.
•    Quantification of fundamental limitations in feedback control systems
•    Modelling of uncertainty and analysis of robust stability in feedback systems
•    Analysis of interactions and design of decentralised control structures based on the Relative Gain Array
•    Design of LQG optimal controllers, effect of design parameters on properties of the closed loop system
•    Design of H_2 and H_infinity-optimal controllers, effect of choice of weights on properties of the closed loop system
•    Strategies for anti-windup to handle limitations in control inputs
•    Basic principles behind Model Predictive Control

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be able to
•    formulate basic theory and definitions of important concepts in multivariable control
•    apply analysis and design methods in multivariable control.

Literature and preparations

Specific prerequisites

No information inserted

Recommended prerequisites

Automatic Control, General Course (EL1000 or EL1110) or similar.

Literature

You can find information about course literature either in the course memo for the course offering or in the course room in Canvas.

Examination and completion

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

Grading scale

A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Examination

  • LAB1 - Laboratory Work, 1.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
  • LAB2 - Laboratory Work, 1.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
  • TEN1 - Examination, 4.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

Examiner

Profile picture Elling W Jacobsen

Ethical approach

  • All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
  • In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
  • In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

Further information

Course room in Canvas

Registered students find further information about the implementation of the course in the course room in Canvas. A link to the course room can be found under the tab Studies in the Personal menu at the start of the course.

Offered by

EECS/Intelligent Systems

Main field of study

Electrical Engineering

Education cycle

Second cycle

Supplementary information

In this course, the EECS code of honor applies, see: http://www.kth.se/en/eecs/utbildning/hederskodex.