Teaching Introduction to Controls with MATLAB and Control 101 Toolbox

Modern technology and software have opened new doors for academic staff, empowering us to create interactive learning resources that are not only quick and easy to develop but also incredibly cost-effective. These resources are invaluable for our students, offering them a platform to learn through hands-on experimentation, visualize complex engineering concepts, and dive deep into detailed problem analysis. What’s more, these resources seamlessly complement laboratory activities, providing students with the freedom to experiment and iterate rapidly, both before and after their lab sessions.

Dr. Anthony Rossiter (University of Sheffield), MathWorks, and others collaborated in the development of a “community toolbox for a first course on control.” In this demonstration, educators can learn how to integrate the Control 101 toolbox into their curriculum and better engage students with hands-on examples and apps. In order to maximize accessibility to worldwide users, the toolbox is available through File Exchange and GitHub®.

Related Resources:

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to MATLAB Control 101 Toolbox
01:43 – Toolbox installation as an add-on
03:32 – Toolbox documentation
07:15 - Virtual labs/apps for controls
09:25 – Car modeling and behavior (app demonstration)
12:00 – Tank level control (app demonstration)
13:45 – Frequency response of linear models (app demonstration)
15:20 – Lead-la compensator design (app demonstration)
18:15 – Live scripts for controls
21:05 – 1st order modeling from data
21:58 – Understanding underdamped systems
22:23 – Closed-loop transfer functions
22:55 – Proportional control design with Bode plots
23:00 – Lead compensator design Bode plots
24:18 – Control 101 Toolbox summary
25:07 – Collaborations and future developments

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

© 2024 The MathWorks, Inc. MATLAB and Simulink are registered trademarks of The MathWorks, Inc.

[ChuffingNorah]

But, but, but ... I like tedious Numerical Hard Sums & Mathematics - it's what makes Control Theory & DSP so interesting! I'll get me Coat! Having said that, what a marvellous resource of Matlab Toolbox coupled with very informative Web site with lots of activity for the budding Control Engineer, and all FREE!