A Microprocessor-Based Digital Control Course

A microprocessor-based digital control laboratory course has been developed at the Autonomous University of Barcelona. The microprocessor controller interfaces directly to an analog computer. The introduction of the microprocessor in a closed-loop system allows great flexibility in the types of algorithms that can be used in stand-alone controllers. Some experiments have been carried out with the aim of improving the student's understanding of the digital control concepts. A brief description of the algorithms, with main emphasis on their discrete realization, and details of each laboratory experiments are given. The philosophy underlying the course is the active participation of the students.