Low-cost magnetic levitation project kits

These low-cost magnetic suspension kits provide students with an open-ended design problem. The performance of the basic system is designed to be inadequate, allowing students to apply their knowledge to implement improvements in sensors, magnetics, power electronics, and compensation electronics. In the first offering of this lab project, student reaction was positive. The low cost of the kits allows each student to personalize their kit and keep the finished product at the end of the term. This laboratory assignment was successful in providing an open-ended design challenge, providing the students with real hardware experience and providing publicity for the class.