Dsp Based Real Time Control Systems Design, Analysis, And Implementation For Reinforcement Of Controls Education

This article describes the development, implementation, and demonstration of a real-time laboratory platform for use in an undergraduate laboratory control course. The design, analysis, and implementation stages are carried out entirely using a dSPACE DS1104 digital signal processor (DSP)-based real-time data acquisition control (DAC) system and MATLAB/Simulink software tools. The control law is designed in Simulink and executed in real-time using the dSPACE DS 1104 DSP-board. Once the controller has been built in Simulink, the MATLAB Real-Time Workshop (RTW) routine is used to automatically convert the Simulink block-set to a machine code that runs on the DS1104 DSP processor. While an experiment is running, the dSPACE DS1104 provides a mechanism that allows the student to change controller parameters online. Thus, it is possible for students to view the real process while the experiment is in progress. Students are encouraged to compare their designs with those of other students. Students are enthusiastic about the lab; and, their comments are positive.