Control & Instrumentation Principles Trainer

The product uses Espial software (supplied separately) in which each assignment comprises clear objectives, background, theory and experimentation. All required test instrumentation is provided within the software and includes a four-channel real-time data logger and bar-graph display, voltmeter, frequency counter and transfer function analyser with Bode and Nyquist displays. The system comprises three items, the mechanical unit, electronic unit and a power supply. The mechanical unit is an open-board format containing a servo mechanism and support electronics. It contains a power amplifier driving a d.c. motor connected to a set of transducers and an adjustable eddy current brake. The digital encoders are of pen construction to allow visual inspection of their functionality. A dual-function LCD meter measures either voltages or rotation speed. The electronic unit comprises an open printed circuit board with front panel mimic. It contains analogue signal processing blocks, an embedded controller with USB interface, analogue to digital converters, PWM drive and the instrumentation data converters. A complete block diagram is on the front panel with access via 2mm sockets to allow each practical to be configured rapidly and the instrumentation blocks connected. LEDs show the output signals from the digital encoders. A function generator block is provided with sine, square and triangle output signals.

Features

• Teaches the concepts of control, sensors & signal processing
• 24 assignments
• Comprises mechanical plant, electronic unit & power supply
• Analogue & digital controllers
• Analogue & digital sensors
• Digital controller using an embedded processor
• Linear & PWM motor drive
• On board sine, square & triangle wave generator
• Open & closed loop transfer functions with Bode & Nyquist displays
• Functional workstation including power supply
• Espial software with built-in instrumentation required (supplied separately)

Curriculum Coverage

• Operational amplifiers
• Analogue transducers
• Motor & eddy current characteristics
• Positive & negative feedback
• Gain & stability
• Velocity feedback
• Following error
• System time constant
• Closed-loop position & speed control
• Analogue controllers (PID)
• Feed-forward systems
• Analogue & digital conversion
• Digital speed & position measurement
• Absolute & incremental encoders
• Digital controllers
• Transfer function analysis
• Open & closed-loop transfer functions

Required for operation:

• PC with Windows 7, 8.1 or 10; 32bit or 64bit; USB interface
• ESPIAL 93-420 with activation code
• Teachware course 33-033-SW or free as SOFTWARE DOWNLOAD