ME/ECE 577 Automatic Controls Laboratory

OFFERED SUMMER ON CAMPUS
Available Summer 2008

3 graduate credits

Instructor: Professor Robert D. Lorenz
Phone: 608/262-5343
E-mail: lorenz@engr.wisc.edu

Course objective:
To provide experience, breadth and depth in designing, constructing and debugging real-time control systems, emphasizing understanding the use and limits of theoretical control design tools in practical environments.

Course description:
Mini-lab projects cover system identification using frequency domain testing methodologies; hardware closed-loop controller implementation using classical and state variable techniques for current loops and motion control; computer control interfacing and time domain (z-transform) systems identification methodologies; computer closed-loop controller implementation of classical and state variable motion control, including state command feed forward and acceleration observers; PLC-based, modern (structured) and classical methods for sequential logic design.

Prerequisite:
Rigorous courses (ME 547 and ME 746) in classical control theory, discrete time control theory, and dynamics.

Homework:
Report for each lab.

Computer language:
C or PASCAL high-level languages. Assembler experience desirable.

Computer requirements:
Access to PC, Macintosh or workstation with math package and graphics monitor; printer dump and MATLAB, Matrix-X or MATHCAD are recommended. Visit this webpage for information about software availability: Tethered Software at Computer-aided Engineering. A student version of MATLAB is available for purchase. Contact the Office of Engineering Outreach for details.

Textbook:
None.

Course notes:
In-class handouts.

Projects:
Pre-recorded pre-lab lectures should be viewed prior to each lab. Daily lectures will discuss post-lab issues and will not repeat pre-lab lecture material.

Course homepage:
http://courses.engr.wisc.edu/ecow/get/me/577/lorenz/