ECE 486 Course Policy
Course Essentials
Prerequisite: ECE 210. Basic knowledge of complex numbers and linear algebra is a plus.
Text: Franklin, Powell, and Emami-Naeini, Feedback Control of Dynamic Systems, 6th or 7th ed., Prentice Hall.
(However, if you have the 4th or 5th edition, you'll be be able to find most of the same material there, then it will be your responsibility to check the section numbers, exercise numbers, etc. against a later edition.)
Supplemental Text: Aström and Murray, Feedback Systems: An Introduction for Scientists and Engineers.
Available online: http://www.cds.caltech.edu/~murray/amwiki/index.php/Second_Edition
Several other supplementary texts are available in Grainger reserves.
Grading policy
| Homework | Quizzes | Laboratory | Midterm Exam | Final Exam |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15% | 20% | 30% | 15% | 20% |
Exams
- Midterm exam:
- Date: 03/12/2026,
- Time: 1100 -1220 hrs
- Location: In-class
- Final exam:
- Date: (tentatively) 05/14
- Time: (tentatively) 1900 - 2200 hrs
- Location: TBD
- Details to-be-confirmed by Registrar's Office
There are no make-up exams for a missed midterm. If you miss the exam, the instructor may or may not use the final exam score as a replacement at their discretion. A conflict final exam will only be offered by policy if another exam or course in which the student is enrolled occurs at the same time as the ECE 486 exam. If you miss the final exam, you will need to secure an Incomplete Grade from the College and have it replaced in the following semester.
Attendance
As seniors and juniors, we understand you may have different commitments, responsibilities and deadlines. Thus attendance is not required but highly encouraged. Attendance of lectures is crucial in the sense that exams will be based on both lectures and assigned reading materials. You are responsible for all lecture materials and for any announcements made in class, whether or not you are present.
Please communicate with the instructor and/or the teaching assistant if you become ill or emergencies arise so that we will be aware of your circumstances. If you miss a class, you should ask a classmate to review their notes from that day. If you have to miss classes for a prolonged period due to serious illness, you should speak to the teaching assistant and/or the instructor as soon as possible. See important information regarding absence letters.
Academic Integrity
You can read the College of Engineering's Guide to Academic Integrity. In this class, your work is expected to be your own. Usage of unauthorized sources for solving problems and tests in the class will be considered a violation of academic integrity policies.
Generative AI
We recognize that generative AI like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, etc. are now routinely capable of solving advanced questions from the engineering curriculum. The use of generative AI in this class is not permitted for solving assignments or tests in this class. If you use generative AI as a crutch, it is likely you will not master concepts related to the core objectives of the course. Our staff will not actively police your use of generative AI, however, if you rely on them too much, you may find yourself at a disadvantage for the exams and quizzes where you will not have access to such tools.
Accomodations
To obtain disability-related academic adjustments and/or auxiliary aids, students with disabilities must contact the course instructor as soon as possible and provide the instructor with a Letter of Academic Accommodations from Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES). To ensure that disability-related concerns are properly addressed from the beginning, students with disabilities who require assistance to participate in this class should apply for services with DRES and see the instructor as soon as possible.
Illinois law requires the University to reasonably accommodate its students’ religious beliefs, observances, and practices in regard to admissions, class attendance, and the scheduling of examinations and work requirements. You should examine this syllabus at the beginning of the semester for potential conflicts between course deadlines and any of your religious observances. If a conflict exists, you should notify your instructor of the conflict and follow the procedure to request appropriate accommodations. In particular, students should complete the Request for Accommodation for Religious Observances as necessary.
Campus Emergency Policy
In the event of a major campus emergency, course requirements, deadlines, and grading percentages are subject to changes that may be necessitated by a revised semester calendar or other circumstances.
Emergencies can happen anywhere and at any time, so it’s important that we take a minute to prepare for a situation in which our safety could depend on our ability to react quickly. Please review the run, hide, fight handout and video provided on campus for information from the U of I Police Department.
Contacting Us
We would like to receive your comments and questions about this course and any other matter you have regarding this site. Please address comments or questions to us via e-mail at: itabrah2 at illinois dot edu.