Electrical Engineering (Top-Up) BEng (Hons)
Level 6 Entry | 1 Year, Full-Time | September Start

This module aims to develop your knowledge, understanding and the ability to analyse the components of a modern power system. It allows you to study the components and operation of power systems, highlighting the principles, design, control, performance limits and protection from abnormal conditions. The theory, control and the properties of alternators, transmission lines, switchgear and protection will also be covered. Commercial issues surrounding the economics of power generation, electricity market and quality of supply are also explored. This module also gives you the opportunity to critically analyse and develop an understanding of practical design and implementation issues, such as load flow, fault and stability studies together with methods for voltage and frequency control, including the use of modern FACTS technologies. These and other topics will be reinforced by using real-world examples and case studies, with emphasis on the use of modern technologies in power systems.

This module shows you how to use modern control design techniques based on state-space differential equations governing a dynamical system. You will also cover instrumentation techniques that are required for practical implementation of control algorithms. Upon completion of the module, you will be able to design instrumentation and control systems; implement and evaluate them using relevant software packages. There are two main themes:
Control:
• Conventional and modern control design and analysis
• Description of dynamic control systems using differential equations, transfer functions, and state-space representation.
• Control system analysis, including dynamic responses of systems, stability and controllability of systems.
• Control system design, including design via open- and closed-loop systems, state and output feedback controls
• Analysis and design of digital systems.
• Use of software packages for simulation of control systems.
Instrumentation:
• Range, span, nonlinearity, hysteresis, resolution, ageing effects.
• Dynamic modelling of sensors using transfer functions and state-space methods.
• Signal conditioning: loading effects, bridge circuits, correction of non-linearity, effects of feedback, amplifier limitations.
• Noise and interference in instrumentation systems and estimation of errors.
• Signal recovery from noise interference.
• Computerised data acquisition systems including ADCs and a range of modern instrumentation protocols.
• Use software packages for simulation of instrumentation systems.

In this module you will learn the architecture, and how to program a high performance microcontroller - ARM cortex series. You will learn how to apply the mathematical, natural science and engineering principles and knowledge in electrical and electronic engineering in an integrated approach to solve the problem of embedded systems with link to real world problems, by using the recent embedded hardware and software technologies. You will also learn how to critically analyse the performance of the embedded systems to verify if a given performance requirement and specification is met, with comprehensive consideration of safety environmental and commercial matters. You will learn how to write a technical report on complex engineering matters with critical evaluation of the performance of the embedded system you design.

Specifically this will include:
• A consideration of the relative merits of a number of commercially available microcontrollers, cross-platform tool chains, and IDEs
• Embedded software engineering and lifecycle of embedded system development
• Flowchart design for embedded software systems
• A detailed investigation of the ARM cortex series of microcontrollers, including architecture, peripherals and capabilities.
• Using IDE development tools to compose, compile, test and debug programs written in a high level programming language ('C'), and project management by using multi-file project and header files.
• Clock generation and distribution - internal/external
• GPIO - general purpose input/output, including typical input device switches, output device LEDs/7-seg LEDs and touch pannels.
• PWM/ADC/DAC – with application to real-world problems, e.g. motor speed control, LED dimming
• USART, SPI, I2C - serial communications
• Timers and Interrupt capability

• Sensor reading, such as (line scan) camera, MEMS accelerators, etc.

This module provides a lab-based group project to develop more design and practical skills for a final year of an undergraduate degree programme in electrical and electronic discipline. You will learn a wide range of extensive knowledge of electronic engineering subjects through undertaking the project, including on the microprocessor-based control system, internet of things (IoT), power conversion, and battery energy storage. You will be motivated to explore problems in real-world applications of electronics and address challenges using the developed skills.

This module will build on the skills acquired through previous study and gain some new knowledge to extend the practical experience of the students into the following areas:

• IoT cloud - based structure using microprocessors
• Modelling, Design and control of simple power DC-DC converter
• Battery charging/discharging and management techniques (e.g. state-of-charge and state-of-health estimation)
• Solar electric power generation
• Maximum power point tracking techniques
• DC motor drive and control
• Advanced programming

The module aims to provide you with an opportunity to carry out an extended study in a specific area of Engineering, developing your ability to work independently and promoting self-reliance. Guidance on how to source and assess the appropriateness of information is provided to you by the module tutor.



A key aim is to encourage you to apply theoretical and analytical techniques to problem solve. The module also aims to develop both verbal and written communication skills. The project will provide practical experience of drawing up a project specification defining aims, objectives and identifying an envisaged endpoint. With the supervisor’s guidance, you will prepare a project plan that includes a Gantt chart, project background and sourcing previous work and associated theory/simulation to assess whether the aims and objectives are achievable and that your theoretical basis is sound.



To meet University requirements and gain practical experience, you must perform a risk assessment to identify potential risks/hazards associated with the project. You will follow the defined plan to complete the project that will involve the application of appropriate theory and simulations leading to the production of prototype designs.



You will be encouraged to monitor your progress based upon the project plan and complete the design cycle by testing and redesign, if necessary. A final project report and verbal/poster presentation to the supervisor, second markers and peers are required towards the end of the module. You must maintain contact with the supervisor on a regular basis to discuss/assess progress and obtain advice. As a part of developing employability skills throughout the programme, you will continue to update and record your professional development.