2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

By and large, the control system theory curriculum in many Engineering schools is limited to computer simulations, mostly because of the limited control lab equipment suppliers and modest resources. The Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) program’s faculty and graduate students were tasked to design a low-cost system that connects the theoretical concepts learned in class and real-world applications. This system was designed with a modular approach to develop new experiments using the existing system. The developed system is an integration of National Instrument’s (NI) LabVIEW software, NI’s myDAQ (a portable and easy-to-program low-cost data acquisition device), a DC motor with a built-in rotary encoder, and a PCB with the motor drive circuits. The circuit wiring for the whole system has been designed and developed into a PCB design for compactness and ease of use. The students use graphical programming to control the motor and record its response utilizing the myDAQ as an interface between LabVIEW and the DC motor. Lab experiments that emphasize on design, simulation, and development of virtual instruments to implement motor control have been developed. These experiments train students in various topics of control system theory, such as identification, modeling, speed, and position control. The entire system is housed in a 12” X 12” polycarbonate case, for safety and laboratory desk organization purposes.
To assess the level of effectiveness of this newly designed control system laboratory, the student performance was assessed using relevant grading rubrics. A student feedback survey was also performed to help improve the learning experience. The developed control laboratory system proved to be a low-cost and effective hands-on learning experience. Students were able to study several DC motor control designs for desired control specifications. Further revisions of the lab instructions and experimental setups have been in progress based on student feedback and instructor observations.