An educational system for implementing digital control algorithms using concurrent programming

A software structure which allows the student to implement digital control algorithms and to test them in a short time is presented. The software package, developed by the Control and Integration Group at the Escuela de Ingenieros de Bilbao, allows process monitoring and off-line data processing. This program can be used not only as a real time control package which has several algorithms implemented, but also as an easy-platform for writing new control algorithms, modifying the appropriate modules suitable for a digital control laboratory or even for Phd students as a testing platform of new designs. The paper describes the main characteristics of the tool, the program structure, and the functionality of the program in terms of how the student can use or manipulate it.