Professional tools in control systems education

A revised control systems curriculum for undergraduate electrical engineering students is described. The control systems sequence consists of a required, four-semester-hour course and a three-semester-hour elective course. The required course provides an introduction to classical control system analysis and design techniques. The elective course introduces additional classical design techniques with an emphasis on digital controllers and modern control system design. Laboratory experience is integrated into both courses. The elective course also provides design experience through the use of design case studies which are conducted in-class, with the instructor and students working as a design team, and individual design projects. Program CC is used extensively in the classroom in both courses to illustrate new concepts and to provide solutions to example problems. Additional software tools are available for students to use in completing their design projects