Experiments in modeling, simulation, and control by microcomputers

Simple low-cost experiments to introduce students to the fundamentals of process modeling, simulation, and control using microprocessors are presented. These experiments allow students to establish connections between the theory and practice of control and cover a wide range of topics including proportional and integral control, nonlinear effects, and noise rejection in a real-time implementation. In addition, the experiments allow teaching of concepts such as calibration, sensors and actuators, as well as D/A and A/D converters not covered in the ordinary courses on control. The simulations have been carried out by means of two control packages: TUTSIM and MATLAB.<>