This experimental unit with the interaction between controller and controlled system, the objective being for the closed control loop, comprising the controller and the controlled system, to exhibit the desired optimum response. The setting of controller parameters - a key practical aspect - can be practised safely and intensively using simulation software. Concepts such as open and closed loop control, stability, step response, disturbance and control response are clearly demonstrated.

  The particular feature of this experimental unit is that no real controlled systems are used; the controlled system is simulated on a PC by a simulation program developed by GUNT. This principle is in widespread application in product development in industry and is known as Hardware in Loop (HIL). All major types of controlled systems can be selected in the program. The controlled system parameters can be set within broad limits so that - unlike actual controlled systems - extreme parameter situations can be investigated. The time response can be recorded and analysed using the software. The controller and the PC are connected by a data acquisition card with AD and DA converters.

  The controller that is used can be easily configured from the PC across an interface using the software provided.

  The well-structured instructional material sets out the fundamentals and provides a step-by-step guide through the experiments.

- learning basic terminology and methods involved

  in process control
  * control loop comprising controller and controlled

    system
  * difference between open and closed loop control

- adapting the controller to different controlled

  systems
  * determining the controlled system parameters
  * choosing optimum controller parameters
  * using commonly applied tuning rules
  * investigating control and disturbance response
  * investigating the stability of the closed control loop