A controls laboratory program with an accent on system identification

A sequence of laboratories is presented which have been designed to maximize student involvement in the design as well as execution of the laboratory exercises. The student works quite independently, starting with the simplest plant and control model, and a relatively structured identification experiment, controller design and performance assessment. The student moves to self-designed system identification and controller design. The cap stone of the course is a competitive controls application which challenges the students command of the theoretical tools as well as thoroughness and accuracy of experimental technique.