An Undergraduate Laboratory for Digital Control and Signal Processing

This note describes the facilities and capabilities of a laboratory to support an integrated senior-level theory course in digital control and signal processing or a stand-alone course generally supportive of the modern electrical engineering curriculum. Central to the concept is an easily assembled, economical, portable general-purpose digital controller based on any of the popular 8-bit microprocessors. A general-purpose dc switching power amplifier allows coupling to dc motors, stepping motors, PM solenoids, and other typical loads. Some examples are given of utility programs and illustrative experiments and projects.