Tag: Controls

Contour of model predictive control

Contour of model predictive control

Contour of model predictive control

08/04/17

“How can we predict how a system will react based on how it reacts right now?”
When working with control systems, we often have some desired output in our mind. However, frequently the actual performance of our systems diverges greatly from what we want. So how can we use our engineering mindset to correct this problem? Well, let’s think about it. We can tell a computer how we want a certain system to behave. And we can also create a log of its outputs. So what if every time we gave an output, we took its data, compare it to our desired, and try to minimize the difference with the next iteration? Well, this is the fundamental idea behind model predictive control and is used in industries spanning from building controls to renewable energy to intelligent transportation systems!

Embedded systems

Embedded systems

Embedded systems

07/30/17

“What houses the controls for cyber-physical systems?”

 

Mechatronic systems require controls software in order to function correctly. However, how is this implemented physically into the system? Well, let’s use our engineering mindset to find out. We know that microcontrollers can perform simple controls tasks. So what if we were to hook a number of them together and program them with software to make a controls unit focused on one task? Well, this piece of technology is known as an embedded system and can be found in electro-mechanical operations worldwide. Examples of embedded systems include braking systems in vehicles, thermostats, and the motors on NASA’s Mars Curiosity Rover!

Microcontrollers

Microcontrollers

Microcontrollers

07/27/17

“Can we make a computer from just a single integrated circuit?”

 

Modern day computers are complex behemoths, employing dozens of integrated circuits to perform computational work. However, is it possible to have much simpler computers that only work with one integrated circuit? Well, it turns out that not only is this possible but that such machines can be seen every day in the form of microcontrollers. Microcontrollers are simple computers that are used for mechatronic control tasks, whether it be in dictating the motion of servo motors for robotic manufacturers or in controlling electric braking systems. Microcontrollers are easily purchasable and have a large number of dedicated hobbyist followers.