Purdue's Junior-Level Control Laboratory with Microprocessors

A microprocessor-based direct digital control system laboratory developed at Purdue University is discussed. The microprocessor controller interfaces directly to an analog computer for simulation control or to control components such as motors, heaters, etc. Available resident processor routines (A/D, D/A, arithmetic, timing, etc.) can be easily configured into a digital control system program allowing strategies to be quickly developed and tested. Al operations are performed directly at the control station via a terminal keyboard, and the system has the potential for stand-alone operation with a graphics output terminal A typical digital control system example-servo position control-has been developed for use in the Junior Control Laboratory. In addition to unlimited possibilities for software strategies, patchable features such as comparators, logic circuitry, timing functions, etc., are available on the front panel, allowing quick, efficient development of a complete digital control system.