Using Rapid Prototyping Tools for Automatic Control System Laboratory

In this paper, the development and implementation of laboratory tools for a control system laboratory is presented. Typical control system laboratory experiments are excessively timeconsuming, require complex student instructions, and are inflexible and expensive. These drawbacks are addressed with the proposed system, which incorporates rapid prototyping software development tools, a user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI), a DC motor with feedback, a motor drive, and a low-cost digital signal processor (DSP) to carry out the control algorithm. This workstation provides a flexible, low-cost control system trainer that is capable of supporting a variety of demonstrations and experimental activities while encouraging student experimentation and emphasizing practical aspects of control systems design, simulation, and real-time implementation. An example of a laboratory exercise is included to illustrate the suitability of the system for student use and the effectiveness of the overall implementation. The prototype control system trainer is presently being integrated into the Engineering Technology curriculum at Penn State Altoona.

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