A Microcomputer-Controlled Experiment: Root Locus Design

An introductory control systems laboratory which uses a microcomputer to provide an automated and highly flexible set of experiments is presented. Most of the important theoretical concepts which are presented in an introductory course in control systems are illustrated through experiments on an electromechanical system. Particular attention is given to an experiment which illustrates the use of the root locus diagram in the design of control systems.