Integrating control concepts in an embedded systems design course

This paper describes a project experience in a microprocessor interfacing course, where computer engineering (CE) and electrical engineering (EE) students were joined to develop a project designing and implementing a Digital Controller for a Three Degree of Freedom Helicopter (3DOFH). This is a highly non-linear problem brought in by the EE students from the Process Instrumentation and Control Laboratory (PICL). Besides serving as the course project for the students, the motivation for taking such a project was to create a base platform using embedded microprocessors where control students could acquire signal conditioning and embedded software design skills in a more realistic platform than that provided by virtual instrument environments. This paper describes the course setting, design approach, and experience gained by the students, establishing a collaboration modality that could be emulated to bring multidisciplinary projects into traditional courses.