Digital Feedback Control Tutorial with Arduino

Unlock the power of digital control with Arduino! This practical tutorial bridges the gap between theoretical control systems knowledge and real-world implementation. If you've learned about discrete-time systems and Z-transforms in your engineering studies, this course will show you how to apply that knowledge to tangible projects.

Learn to:

• Implement real-time digital controllers and compensators on Arduino hardware for effective feedback control applications.
• Translate theoretical concepts from sampled-time systems to working code.
• Move beyond MATLAB simulations and directly apply control system principles to practical projects.
• Understand the Z-transform and its role in digital control design.
• Master discretization of continuous-time controllers using Tustin's method.
• Develop a structured digital controller design process in 6 clear steps.
• Gain hands-on experience with brushed DC motor speed control, including obtaining the transfer function of a 34:1 12V gearmotor.
• Design and implement a digital controller for precise DC motor speed control using Arduino.
• See real-time implementation of your control algorithms on the Arduino microcontroller.

Course Syllabus:

1. Why Digital Control? Explore the advantages of using digital control systems.
2. Z-Transform Overview: A concise review of the Z-transform and its applications.
3. Discretization Techniques: Learn Tustin's method for converting continuous-time controllers to discrete-time equivalents.
4. Arduino Implementation: Practical steps for implementing discrete-time systems on Arduino hardware.
5. Digital Controller Design Process: A 6-step framework for designing effective digital controllers.
6. DC Motor Speed Control: Detailed analysis of a 34:1 12V gearmotor and its transfer function.
7. Digital Controller Design (DC Motor): Design a digital controller for optimal DC motor speed regulation.
8. Real-Time Implementation (DC Motor): Implement the designed controller on the Arduino for real-time control.

Supplemental Materials:

• Laplace and Z-Transform Tables: Convenient reference for calculations.
• MATLAB Scripts/Files: Supporting code for analysis and simulation.
• Arduino Code/Script: Demonstration code for DC gearmotor speed control.
• Experiment Apparatus Schematic: Diagram for setting up the DC motor control experiment.
• Useful Links: Resources for further derivation and analysis of control systems.

Important Note: This course assumes prior knowledge of discrete-time systems, control theory, and Arduino coding. It is not an introductory course on digital signal processing, control theory fundamentals (like root locus or frequency-domain analysis), electronics, or basic Arduino programming. No assignments or quizzes are included. Please review the syllabus carefully before purchasing.