Teaching digital control without the use of impulse samplers

An approach to teaching the subject of digital control without the use of impulse samplers is presented. The benefits of not using these samples are: (1) every signal and block in the control loop used for analysis and design purposes corresponds to a physical signal and block in the actual control loop to be implemented; and (2) every signal and block is discrete-time, and described using Z-transforms and Z-transfer functions, respectively. Experience in teaching the subject from this point of view suggests that the material is more readily understood by the students, and requires less time to teach