This classic magnetic levitation control problem is now presented in a new and innovative form. A 25 mm diameter, hollow steel sphere is suspended in space with visually appealing results and convenient time constants. Both analogue & digital control solutions are implemented. Convenient sockets on the enclosure panel allow for quick changes of analogue controller gain and compensation components. The equipment is self-contained in analogue mode, with built-in power supply. In the digital mode the system operates within a MATLAB™ environment (MATLAB not supplied) which allows the system parameters to be determined and the system to be modelled.

Curriculum Coverage:

• Analogue Operation 
• Non-linear models 
• Unstable systems 
• Linearization about an operating point 
• Infra-red sensor characteristics 
• Lead-lag compensation 
• Perturbation sensitivity 
• PD control 
• Digital Operation 
• Non-linear models 
• Unstable systems 
• Linearization about an operating point 
• A/D & D/A conversion 
• State space PD control 
• PID control 
• Calibration 
• Regulation & tracking control 

Features:

• Visually & technically interesting control problem 
• Non-linear model 
• Unstable system 
• MATLAB-compatible version available 
• LabVIEW-compatible version available 
• All-in-one system 
• Analogue operation 
• Digital operation 
• Comprehensive experiment manual

 
Technical Data:

• Dimensions (Packed): Width 530 mm x Depth 450 mm x Height 450 mm 
• Weight: Gross 13.9 Kgs ; Net 12.6 Kgs 

MATLAB toolbox required to include:- Simulink, Control System, System Identification, Real-Time Windows Target, MATLAB Coder, Simulink Coder (not supplied) NI LabVIEW software required for LabVIEW-compatible versions as described above.