

M-TECH in Control Instrumentation Engineering at Shanmugha Arts Science Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA)


Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Control & Instrumentation Engineering at Shanmugha Arts Science Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA) Thanjavur?
This Control & Instrumentation Engineering program at Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology & Research Academy focuses on the design, development, and maintenance of automated control systems and precision measurement instruments. It is highly relevant to Indian manufacturing, process industries, and smart infrastructure, which demand professionals skilled in optimizing complex systems. The program differentiates itself by integrating advanced control theory with practical instrumentation applications, preparing engineers for critical roles in industrial automation. There is a growing demand in India for expertise in smart factories and IoT-driven control.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for engineering graduates with a background in Electrical, Electronics, Instrumentation, or Mechatronics who seek to specialize in industrial automation. It suits fresh graduates aspiring to enter core engineering sectors and working professionals looking to upskill in areas like advanced control, robotics, or industrial IoT. Additionally, career changers from allied fields with a strong aptitude for system design and problem-solving will find this program beneficial. Prior experience with basic control systems and programming is advantageous.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue rewarding India-specific career paths as Control Engineers, Instrumentation Specialists, Automation Architects, or Systems Integrators in sectors like manufacturing, energy, and process industries. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 5-8 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 15-25 LPA or more. Growth trajectories include technical lead, project management, and senior engineering roles. The curriculum aligns with certifications in industrial automation and functional safety, enhancing professional recognition.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Control & Instrumentation Concepts- (Semester 1)
Focus intensely on foundational courses like Advanced Control Systems, Transducer Technology, and Applied Mathematics. Utilize university labs for hands-on experience with basic sensors, controllers, and data acquisition systems. Form study groups to discuss complex topics and solve problems collaboratively.
Tools & Resources
MATLAB/Simulink, University lab equipment, NPTEL courses on control systems and instrumentation, Textbook exercises
Career Connection
Builds a strong theoretical and practical base essential for all advanced subjects and industrial problem-solving, crucial for technical interviews.
Develop Strong Programming and Simulation Skills- (Semester 1)
Actively participate in labs focusing on PLC programming, SCADA systems, and VHDL/Verilog for VLSI design. Independently practice coding and simulation exercises to build proficiency in industrial software and hardware description languages.
Tools & Resources
Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000, Xilinx ISE/Vivado, MATLAB/Simulink, Online coding platforms for embedded C
Career Connection
Essential for roles in industrial automation, embedded systems, and control software development, making candidates highly employable.
Engage in Early Research & Project Exploration- (Semester 1)
During the first semester, identify areas of interest within Control & Instrumentation and discuss potential mini-projects with faculty. Participate in departmental seminars and workshops to understand current research trends. This early engagement helps in shaping the larger project work in later semesters.
Tools & Resources
SASTRA''''s research labs, Faculty guidance, IEEE Xplore, Google Scholar for research papers
Career Connection
Fosters critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, which are highly valued in R&D and advanced engineering roles, and helps identify niche areas for specialization.
Intermediate Stage
Pursue Specialization-Oriented Electives- (Semester 2-3)
Strategically choose electives like Artificial Intelligence in Control, Robotics and Automation, or Industrial IoT based on career aspirations. Deep dive into these chosen fields through self-study, online courses, and specialized projects beyond the curriculum.
Tools & Resources
Coursera/edX for specialized courses, Kaggle for data science projects, Specific hardware kits for robotics/IoT
Career Connection
Develops a unique skill set sought after by industries, leading to specialized job roles and higher earning potential.
Seek Industry Internships and Workshops- (Semester 2-3)
Actively seek summer or winter internships in relevant industries (e.g., manufacturing, power, automation companies). Attend industry workshops and technical conferences to network with professionals and gain exposure to real-world applications and challenges in control and instrumentation.
Tools & Resources
SASTRA''''s placement cell, LinkedIn, Industry association websites (e.g., ISA India Section)
Career Connection
Provides practical industry experience, enhances resume, builds professional network, and often leads to pre-placement offers.
Undertake Meaningful Mini-Projects- (Semester 2-3)
Engage in challenging mini-projects, either independently or as part of a team, applying theoretical knowledge to practical problems. Focus on projects that involve designing, implementing, and testing control algorithms or instrumentation systems. Document work thoroughly and present findings professionally.
Tools & Resources
Arduino/Raspberry Pi, Industrial sensors and actuators, Simulation software, Project report writing guidelines
Career Connection
Demonstrates practical skills and initiative to potential employers, strengthens problem-solving capabilities, and builds a portfolio.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Project Work (Phase II)- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant effort to the M.Tech thesis project, focusing on a novel contribution or complex industrial problem. Ensure robust experimental validation, rigorous data analysis, and clear thesis documentation. Aim for publication in conferences or journals if possible.
Tools & Resources
SASTRA''''s research facilities, Statistical software (R/Python), LaTeX for thesis writing, Academic mentors
Career Connection
The thesis is a major differentiator; a strong project demonstrates research capabilities and in-depth knowledge, crucial for R&D roles and further academic pursuits.
Prepare Strategically for Placements/Higher Studies- (Semester 4)
Start placement preparation early by revising core concepts, practicing aptitude tests, and mock interviews. Tailor resumes and cover letters to specific job descriptions. For higher studies, prepare for competitive exams and craft strong statements of purpose.
Tools & Resources
SASTRA''''s career development cell, Online aptitude platforms, Glassdoor for interview experiences, GRE/GATE preparation materials
Career Connection
Maximizes chances of securing desirable job offers from top companies or gaining admission to prestigious PhD programs.
Develop Professional Communication & Leadership Skills- (Semester 4)
Actively participate in technical presentations, seminars, and workshops to refine communication skills. Take on leadership roles in project teams or student chapters. Develop report writing and presentation abilities, which are vital for engineering roles.
Tools & Resources
Toastmasters clubs, SASTRA''''s communication skills workshops, Project group discussions
Career Connection
Beyond technical skills, strong soft skills are crucial for career progression into managerial and leadership positions within organizations.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.E./B.Tech. in Electrical / Electronics & Instrumentation / Electronics & Communication / Instrumentation & Control / Mechatronics / Electronics / Chemical Engineering with a minimum aggregate of 60% or equivalent.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 78 Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICEC501 | Applied Mathematics for Instrumentation and Control Engineers | Core | 4 | Linear Algebra, Probability and Random Variables, Numerical Methods, Solution of Ordinary Differential Equations, Partial Differential Equations |
| ICEC502 | Advanced Control Systems | Core | 4 | State Space Analysis, Optimal Control, Adaptive Control, Robust Control, Non-linear Control Systems |
| ICEC503 | Transducer and Sensor Technology | Core | 4 | Sensor Characteristics, Resistive Transducers, Inductive and Capacitive Transducers, Optical Sensors, Smart Sensors |
| ICEE501 | Data Acquisition Systems | Elective (Program Elective I) | 3 | Data Acquisition System Components, Signal Conditioning, Analog to Digital Conversion, Digital to Analog Conversion, Data Loggers |
| ICEE502 | Microcontrollers and Embedded Systems | Elective (Program Elective I) | 3 | 8051 Microcontroller Architecture, PIC Microcontroller, ARM Processors, Embedded System Design, Real-time Operating Systems |
| ICEE503 | Biomedical Instrumentation | Elective (Program Elective I) | 3 | Bio-electric Signals, Electrodes, Cardiovascular System Measurements, Respiratory System Measurements, Medical Imaging Systems |
| ICEE504 | Digital Signal Processing for Instrumentation | Elective (Program Elective I) | 3 | Discrete Time Signals, Z-transform, Digital Filter Design, DFT and FFT, Wavelet Transforms |
| ICEE505 | Industrial Communication Protocols | Elective (Program Elective I) | 3 | OSI Model, RS-232/485, Modbus, Profibus, Fieldbus Foundation |
| ICEC504 | Industrial Instrumentation Lab | Lab | 2 | PLC Programming, SCADA Systems, Industrial Sensors Calibration, Process Control Systems, Distributed Control Systems |
| ICEC505 | Advanced Control Systems Lab | Lab | 2 | MATLAB/Simulink for Control, PID Controller Tuning, State Space Control, Optimal Control Implementation, Non-linear System Simulation |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICEC506 | Process Dynamics and Control | Core | 4 | Process Modeling, Dynamic Response, Feedback Control Systems, PID Controller Tuning, Advanced Control Strategies |
| ICEC507 | VLSI Design for Instrumentation | Core | 4 | CMOS Technology, ASIC Design Flow, FPGA Architectures, VHDL/Verilog Programming, Digital System Design |
| ICEC508 | Advanced Measurement Systems | Core | 4 | Virtual Instrumentation, Smart Transmitters, Calibration Standards, Measurement Uncertainty, Metrology |
| ICEE506 | Artificial Intelligence in Control | Elective (Program Elective II) | 3 | Neural Networks, Fuzzy Logic Control, Genetic Algorithms, Machine Learning in Control, Expert Systems |
| ICEE507 | Robotics and Automation | Elective (Program Elective II) | 3 | Robot Kinematics, Robot Dynamics, Robot Control, Trajectory Planning, Industrial Applications |
| ICEE508 | Industrial Internet of Things | Elective (Program Elective II) | 3 | IIoT Architecture, Sensor Networks, Cloud Computing for IIoT, Data Analytics, Edge Computing |
| ICEE509 | Computer Vision for Automation | Elective (Program Elective II) | 3 | Image Acquisition, Image Processing, Feature Extraction, Object Recognition, Machine Vision Applications |
| ICEE510 | Renewable Energy Systems | Elective (Program Elective II) | 3 | Solar Photovoltaics, Wind Energy Systems, Hydro Energy, Biomass Energy, Energy Storage Systems |
| ICEC509 | Process Control Lab | Lab | 2 | Level Control, Flow Control, Pressure Control, Temperature Control, Heat Exchanger Control |
| ICEC510 | VLSI for Instrumentation Lab | Lab | 2 | VHDL/Verilog Simulation, FPGA Synthesis, Layout Design, ASIC Design Tools, Microprocessor/Microcontroller Interfacing |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICEE601 | Industrial Data Analytics | Elective (Program Elective III) | 3 | Data Mining, Statistical Process Control, Predictive Maintenance, Machine Learning Algorithms, Big Data Technologies |
| ICEE602 | Digital Control Systems | Elective (Program Elective III) | 3 | Z-transform, Sampled Data Systems, Digital Controller Design, State Space Digital Control, Quantization Effects |
| ICEE603 | MEMS and Nanosensors | Elective (Program Elective III) | 3 | MEMS Fabrication, Micro-sensors, Micro-actuators, Nanomaterials, Nanofabrication |
| ICEE604 | Advanced Power Electronics | Elective (Program Elective III) | 3 | DC-DC Converters, AC-DC Converters, DC-AC Inverters, Resonant Converters, Control of Power Electronic Systems |
| ICEE605 | Machine Learning for Industrial Applications | Elective (Program Elective III) | 3 | Supervised Learning, Unsupervised Learning, Deep Learning, Reinforcement Learning, Industrial Case Studies |
| ICEE606 | Functional Safety in Control Systems | Elective (Program Elective IV) | 3 | Safety Lifecycle, Risk Assessment, SIL, Safety Instrumented Systems, IEC 61508 |
| ICEE607 | Smart Grid Technology | Elective (Program Elective IV) | 3 | Smart Grid Architecture, Advanced Metering Infrastructure, Distributed Generation, Microgrids, Cyber Security for Smart Grid |
| ICEE608 | Advanced Digital Image Processing | Elective (Program Elective IV) | 3 | Image Restoration, Image Compression, Morphological Image Processing, Object Segmentation, Pattern Recognition |
| ICEE609 | Energy Management and Auditing | Elective (Program Elective IV) | 3 | Energy Auditing Principles, Energy Conservation, Demand Side Management, Renewable Energy Integration, Energy Policy |
| ICEE610 | Fault Detection and Diagnosis | Elective (Program Elective IV) | 3 | Model-based Methods, Data-driven Methods, Signal Processing Techniques, Statistical Methods, Fault-tolerant Control |
| ICEC601 | Internship / Industrial Training | Core | 2 | Industrial Exposure, Practical Application of Concepts, Problem-solving in Industry, Report Writing, Professional Communication |
| ICEP601 | Project Work - Phase I | Project | 8 | Problem Identification, Literature Review, Methodology Formulation, Experimental Design, Preliminary Results |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICEP602 | Project Work - Phase II | Project | 24 | Advanced Implementation, Data Analysis, Result Interpretation, Thesis Writing, Project Defense |




