Development of a microcontroller-based control system with a hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) method for control education using MATLAB/simulink/xPC Target

Abstract

This paper discusses the development of a microcontroller-based control system with hardware-inthe-loop (HIL) for enhancing the teaching of control engineering. This system consists of both hardware and software. The software tools MATLAB/Simulink/xPC Target by MathWorks, Inc and a C++ compiler are used to simulate the physical system (plant) to be controlled, while the hardware include a microcontroller as a controller and interfacing circuits to allow communication between the simulated plant and the real controller. This proposed system is inexpensive and allows students to carry out extensive experimental investigations, as well as the design, implementation, performance evaluation and comparative studies of controllers. A case study of the controller design and implementation for an active suspension system is presented to illustrate the application of the proposed system.