A Graphical User Interface (Gui) For A Unified Approach For Continuous Time Compensator Design

As an alternative to the numerous distinct controller design algorithms in classical control textbooks, a simple unified design approach, which is independent of the form of the linear system information, was developed in previous work for all standard classical compensators. This approach is based on a simple root locus design procedure for a proportional-derivative (PD) compensator. From this procedure, design procedures for unified notation lead, proportional-integral (PI), proportional-integral–derivative (PID), and PI-lead compensator were developed. With this proposed approach, students can concentrate on the larger control system design issues, such as compensator selection and closed-loop performance, rather than the intricacies of a particular design procedure. Once students learn the unified design process discussed above, it is important that they get an opportunity to apply it to design and laboratory projects. Most real life examples require design iterations. The Graphical User Interface (GUI) developed in this paper not only makes this feasible, but also makes this an excellent learning opportunity. The authors have implemented the unified compensator design procedure as a GUI in MATLAB. The GUI presents the user with both root locus and Bode information. Either domain can be used for design. The effect of the design on both domains can be seen instantaneously. The GUI also provides the user with the closed-loop step and Bode response as well. Design specifications in the time and frequency domain are easily verified.