Active learning in control education : a pocket-size PI(D) setup

Active learning techniques have the possibility to enhance student performance. In control engineering these techniques unravel concepts such as feedback control, proportional-integral-derivative control, system dynamics, etc. This paper presents the development of pocket-size PID setups and how they are implemented in an undergraduate course of control engineering. The setup makes use of an electrical circuit which has the capability of mimicking a wide range of processes, thus appealing to the multidisciplinary character of the student group. Custom-made analog PID printed circuit boards are developed, making each part of the controller transparent. Open-source software is used to build a graphical user interface to communicate with data-acquisition cards used in industry. It is shown in this paper that investing in mobile setups which are numerous, allows for active learning in control education. This leads to better understanding of abstract concepts and increased student performance.

Jaar van publicatie:2020

Toegankelijkheid:Open