Didactic Strategy for Applied Learning of Control of State-Space Systems Through Low-Cost Electronic Modules

Abstract

There is a growing need to apply advanced control techniques in industrial processes, and the state space provides modern tools for solving these requirements. Engineers and scientists must be prepared to offer solutions for the industry according to the advances, requiring proper knowledge acquired from their careers in Universities. However, courses in state-space control theory in some educational institutions lack the practical experience to implement the controllers designed by students and only use simulations to enhance the understanding of this theory. Therefore, this paper proposes a didactic strategy for applied control learning within the framework of the state-variable control course through individual, portable, and low-cost modules. The method is based on the building of two types of electronic modules that allow students to perform a self-practical laboratory. In addition, classroom action research is applied, considering a purposive sampling of students. The research also considers theoretical and practical interventions to explain to students the use of each electronic module and the requirements for performing the tests. An evaluation tool is designed to assess the knowledge of the students before and after the intervention. The results show how students improve their performance in control theory and achieve more advanced concepts of control implementation. The first test showed that of all students enrolled in the course, only 5% obtained good grades. After the first practical intervention, up to 49% of the students obtained good grades. The final practical intervention allowed more than 80% of the students to achieve high grades.