Using graphical user interface capabilities of MATLAB in advanced electrical engineering courses

The benefits of using computer aided design packages such as MATLAB, MATRIX/sub x/, Control C, SIMNON, etc. have been long realized and reported. We discuss the use of graphical user interface (GUI) capabilities of MATLAB. GUIs offer a visual approach to solving specific problems. They can also add a "what-if" feature to a problem by providing capabilities of changing the problem parameters and presenting the effects by graphical means. This feature can further enhance the discussion of a problem in a classroom environment, and also help a researcher to further investigate the effects of different parameters and their interaction in a complex problem. For illustration purposes, four examples have been considered. The first two are classical optimal control problems and the last one is an advanced nonlinear system problem. General procedures for building a GUI solution is also discussed.