IDDD - Cyber-Physical Systems

What is the IDDD Cyber-Physical Systems program at IIT Madras?

A cyber-physical system (CPS) or intelligent system is a computer system where a computer program controls or monitors a physical mechanism. In CPS, the physical and software parts are closely connected. They can work on different scales and timeframes, show different behaviors, and interact with each other in different ways depending on the situation. CPS combines different fields like cybernetics, mechatronics, design, and process science. This type of system is often called an embedded system, which focuses more on the computational parts and has less emphasis on the close link between the computational and physical elements. CPS is similar to the Internet of Things (IoT), but it has a stronger integration and coordination between the physical and computational parts.

Offered by an interdisciplinary group involving faculty members from Electrical engineering, Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, and Applied Mechanics, the Interdisciplinary Dual Degree program in Cyber-Physical Systems is structured to enhance participants' expertise in the design, control, and optimization of cyber-physical systems, both in theory and practical application.

Who is eligible to apply?

Any B.Tech student studying at IIT Madras, regardless of their branch, has the option to choose the IDDD program. The selection for this program is based on the Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) achieved by the end of the fifth semester.The CGPA cutoff is usually 8, but may vary with the number of students applying.

Curriculum and Courses

The IDDD program curriculum at IIT Madras covers fundamental concepts and tools related to cyber-physical systems (CPS). It includes core courses in control theory, mathematical and data sciences, Cyber Security, Communications, and IoT. Two labs provide hands-on experience with IoT and smart infrastructure. Students can choose four electives from various advanced topics like control theory, data analysis, IoT, and communications, based on their interests.

Some of the courses offered in this program are:

• Modern Control Theory
• Linear Dynamical Systems
• Mathematical Methods in Systems Engineering
• Mathematical Foundations of Data Science

A total of 157 credits need to be completed, 85 of which are through projects in semesters 9 and 10. The program also includes a data analytics and a CPS lab, each worth 6 credits. Students can choose electives from the CH, EE, CS, and AM departments.

What are the future prospects?

This program aims to prepare you for the industrial workforce by offering various courses and practical laboratory experiences. Graduates from this program will have the chance to pursue career opportunities in industries related to energy, power, and infrastructure. Additionally, they can explore job prospects in service industries like automation, software development, data science, and AI.

To get more information on the program, visit here