Towards the standardization of a MATLAB-based control systems laboratory experience for undergraduate students

The paper seeks to begin a discussion with regard to developing standardized computer aided control system design (CACSD) tools that are typically utilized in an undergraduate controls laboratory. The advocated CACSD design tools are based on the popular, commercially available MATLAB environment, the Simulink toolbox, and the Real-Time Workshop toolbox. The primary advantages of the proposed approach are as follows: 1) the required computer hardware is low cost, 2) commercially available plants from different manufacturers can be supported under the same CACSD environment with no hardware modifications, 3) both the Windows and Linux operating systems can be supported via the MATLAB based Real-Time Windows Target and the Quality Real Time Systems (QRTS) based Real-Time Linux Target, and 4) the Simulink block diagram approach can be utilized to prototype control strategies; thereby, eliminating the need for low level programming skills. It is believed that the above advantages related to standardization of the CACSD design tools will facilitate: 1) the sharing of laboratory resources within each university (i.e., between departments) and 2) the development of Internet laboratory experiences for students (i.e., between universities)