UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, JAMAICA
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
CONTROL SYSTEMS 1 (ENG. 3)
Lab#1: Manual and Automatic Position Control
Objectives (s)
To observe the operation of a basic open loop Control system
To appreciate the need for closed loop feedback control
Introduction
For position control, weather open loop or closed loop, the output action/position should follow that of
the set point or reference input. The difference between open loop and closed loop lies in the fact that
for the latter if there is an error then the system would not be able to correct itself and for the former
the system should correct itself simply because there is an element of feedback designed in the system.
Note Carefully!
Do not rush through this exercise. Carefully follow the instructions given. Write down in detail your
observations as they will assist you in completing the laboratory report and in answering the
questions.
Apparatus
Quantity Designation Description
1 OA150A Op Amp Unit
1 AU150B Attenuator Unit
1 PA150C Pre-Amp Unit
1 SA150D Servo Amplifier
1 PS150E Power supply
1 DCM150F DC Motor
1 IP150H Input Potentiometer
1 OP150K Output Potentiometer
1 GT150X Reduction Gear Tacho Unit
1 - DC Voltmeter (or voltmeter in GT150X)
Section 1
Procedure
Manual Position Control System
Two rotary potentiometers can be used to generate an error signal to show the misalignment of the
output position with that of the input position. Place the appropriate apparatus on the metal base and
connect according to figure 3.5.1.
1. Set the feedback selector switch on the OA150A to the 100K resistor.
2. Set the arrow on the input potentiometer IP 150H to the zero position
3. Set the arrow on the output potentiometer OP150K to the zero position.
4. The GT150X can be used as a voltmeter. Connect the output of the OP-AMP OA150A to the dc
volts slot on the [Link] sure that the black switch is moved to this position.
5. Double check the connections and turn on the switch on the PS150E. Look on the readings on
the voltmeter GT150X. If this is not reading zero, zero set this by adjusting the zero set knob on
the OA150A. Make sure that the input position on the IP150H and the Output position on the
OP150K are in the zero position. If zero is not being indicated on the voltmeter consult the
technician or technologist.
6. If zero is indicated on the voltmeter and the input and output potentiometer in the zero
position, manually shift the input position to a point in one direction to indicate a voltage
reading between 0 and +15 volts or 0 and -15 volts depending upon the direction in which the
input potentiometer is turned. Turn the output potentiometer in the same direction to the same
position. What is it that you observed in terms of voltmeter readings and positions? 2 marks
7. Turn the input potentiometer to various positions both clockwise and counterclockwise and turn
the output knob in the same directions to the same positions. Comment on your observations. 2
marks
8. What type of system is this? Give reasons for your answer. 3 marks
Section 2
Simple Automatic Position Control System
Connect the apparatus according to figure 3.5.3
1. Turn the knob on the attenuator unit AU150B to position zero.
2. Slowly turn the knob on AU150B until the motor just start to rotate and record:
i. Scale position at which the motor just start to rotate
ii. Direction in which the output rotary potentiometer
3. Turn off the system. Manually return the output potentiometer to zero and the AU150B knob to
zero. Now decide on a position you wish the output potentiometer to go to. Power on the
system and use the AU150B potentiometer to rotate the output potentiometer to that desired
position. This should be done slowly. Comment on your observations. 2 marks.
4. Use the knob on the AU150B to rotate the motor faster and then bring it to a stop again at the
desired position. Comment on your observations. 2 marks
5. Power down the system. Disconnect terminal one (1) of the AU150B from the zero position on
the Servo-amplifier SA150D and reconnect it to the -15 volt position on the SA150D. Power on
the system. If the motor is running turn the potentiometer on the AU150B until it stops. Now
turn the potentiometer to left and right of that position. Comment on your
observations(2marks). Now try to bring the output potentiometer to a stop at the desired
position that you previously thought of. Comment on your observations?
Section 3
Automatic Closed Loop Control.
1. Turn off power and reconnect systems according to figure 3.6.5. make sure input and output
potentiometer are in the zero position. If the output potentiometer shifts contact the lab
technician or technologist.
2. If all as properly aligned turn the input potentiometer to any position. What did you notice
about the output potentiometer?
3. Turn the input potentiometer to any position and observe the output potentiometer.
4. Comment on the type of system this is? Why? 2 marks.
5. Was there any dead band encountered? Comment on this deadband. 2marks