DESCRIPTION

Technical Description

This experimental unit familiarises students with the operation and function of a state-of-the-art industrial controller. The controller has freely accessible inputs and outputs. Defined input levels and step signals can be produced with a signal generator. A digital voltmeter is used to measure the input and output signals. A simple first order lag is simulated to allow the response and stability of a closed control loop to be investigated. All signals are accessible via lab jacks so a standard x/y plotter or line recorder can be used. It is also possible to control external controlled system models with this controller. As well as manual configuration and parameter setting with keys, the controller can be configured (configuration software supplied) from a PC via USB.

Learning Objectives / Experiments

- basic concept of an industrial controller
-- operator control levels
-- parameter level
-- configuration level
- learning about basic terminology and methods of process control
-- static and dynamic transfer function
-- step response
-- reference variable step
-- closed control loop
- setting controller parameters
-- setting input and output channels
-- scaling displays
-- using PC-based configuration tools