Controller Design: Learn How to Build Controllers

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Building controllers involves understanding both the theoretical aspects and practical applications, particularly in interfacing sensors and actuators. While MATLAB can be used for control systems, it may not be ideal for high-performance applications due to its Java backend. Allan-Bradley controllers offer a self-contained solution with user-friendly programming for various control tasks, including temperature regulation. For custom setups, a computer program can control devices if they are properly connected, and alternatives like LabView or microcontrollers can also be considered. Overall, practical implementation of control systems requires careful consideration of hardware and software integration.
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Hello all,

I am a Mechanical Engineering junior and I just finished with my first control systems class. I have found the class to be really interesting but it was all theory. I forgot to ask the professor before I left for summer, how do you actually build controllers?

I understand how to use Matlab's control features and everything but is there another program which will help you actually read-in the sensors and program a controller?
 
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Allan Bradly offers the software for their controllers. You can read sensors, open and close valves, start and stop pumps, energize and cut-out heaters, and so on. You can do PIDs and just tune the constants with the software.
 
Oh okay so they are pretty much already assembled computers.

Let's say I have a temperature sensor connected to my computer and i want to control the temperature in the room with a heater, also connected to my pc.

Would I have to write a computer program and hook up my heater or would I have to buy an Allan Bradly if everything was not connected to my computer?
 
It's possible to read sensors and control actuators with MATLAB as well. The only knock on it is the fact that it's in Java and has a large back end (i.e. may not be suitable for high-performance applications, depending on what said application is).
 
chronie said:
Oh okay so they are pretty much already assembled computers.

Let's say I have a temperature sensor connected to my computer and i want to control the temperature in the room with a heater, also connected to my pc.

Would I have to write a computer program and hook up my heater or would I have to buy an Allan Bradly if everything was not connected to my computer?

To do control with your computer, you'll need a way to interface to the input sensor and the heater elements. With an Allan-Bradly controller, the interfaces are self contained and you "set up"/program the controllers parameters to fit your application.

Here's some Allan-Bradly temperature controllers:

900-TC_TemperatureControllerFamily_front1--lgprod.jpg


Features

Single-loop, high value, ON/OFF, or analog output controllers
1/8 DIN, 1/16 DIN and 1/32 DIN sizes
Various sensor inputs
Auto-tuning and self-tuning available to simplify startup
Heating, cooling, or heating/cooling control available
Manual output control (TC8 and TC16)
High visibility 4-digit, 11-segment status displays
Integral keypad with tactile feedback for setup and modification of parameters
Security modes/levels
Event input (TC8 and TC16) for multiple SP selection, controller RUN/STOP and
auto/manual mode change
http://ab.rockwellautomation.com/Sensors-Switches/Temperature-Sensors/Temperature-Controller#/tab2"
 
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Yes, a computer program would do for a thermostat if they were connected properly to the computer. LabView may be worth mentioning as a program. An embedded solution, perhaps with a microcontroller, is also a possibility. You could even do it as an analog circuit with a comparator.

You may want to have hysteresis so that the heater control does not flicker on and off.Of course there is more to controls than just thermostats.
 
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